Behind every Gravesham Pride is a small team of passionate volunteers juggling full-time jobs, family life and everything in between.
Every meeting, late night and early morning is worth it when we see the smiles, laughter and incredible moments our community creates together.
That's why our amazing official Gravesham Pride photographer, Ben Archell, is always there capturing the magic. From colourful celebrations and unforgettable performances to the little moments of kindness and connection, these photos tell the story of what Pride is all about.
Take a look through our galleries below and relive the memories! You might even spot yourself!
2021
Our First Physical Pride
In the spring of 2021, government restrictions on public events began to ease, making it possible for smaller community gatherings to take place once again.
With just 12 weeks to plan, the volunteers behind Gravesham Pride CIC came together to deliver our very first in-person Pride celebration. To keep everyone safe, the event was designed around the COVID-19 guidance in place at the time, with limited free tickets available and enhanced safety measures throughout. Unfortunately, infection control restrictions meant we were unable to hold a traditional Pride March that year.
Despite these challenges, the community response was incredible. All 500 free tickets were claimed within just four days of being released, with a waiting list of around 1,000 people. It was a clear reminder of just how much Gravesham had missed coming together to celebrate inclusion, equality and community.
2022
Already Part of the Community
Before hosting our first full-scale event, Gravesham Pride officially became part of the Gravesham community when we were invited to take part in the Northfleet Carnival.
With just four weeks' notice, our small team of volunteers accepted the challenge. We reached out to our friends at Medway Pride, who generously stepped in to help. Together, we combined our collections of Pride flags to create a vibrant, flag-themed carnival float, proudly representing inclusion, equality and community. It was our first opportunity to celebrate Pride publicly in Gravesham and a moment we'll never forget.
Later that year, Gravesham Pride CIC proudly delivered our first full-scale Pride celebration, including the long-awaited return of a traditional Pride March through the streets of Gravesham.
Despite the disruption caused by national rail strikes, the community's support was overwhelming. A total of 2,065 free tickets were reserved, making it our biggest event to date and demonstrating the growing demand for a Pride that is welcoming, inclusive and free for everyone.
The success of 2022 marked an important milestone for Gravesham Pride, proving that our community wanted a Pride they could truly call their own.
2023
Our Community Needed Pride
Towards the end of 2022, Gravesham Pride CIC faced one of the biggest challenges in our history when we became the victim of a significant financial fraud. Almost overnight, our funds disappeared, leaving us with just 83p in our bank account and the future of Gravesham Pride in serious doubt.
As the months passed, hundreds of emails and messages began arriving from people across our community asking one simple question: "When is the next Pride?" It became clear that Gravesham Pride had become far more than an event, it had become something people genuinely needed.
Determined not to give up, we announced our return at the Northfleet Carnival. With no budget for a float, our volunteers got creative, decorating it with handmade cardboard signs and anything colourful we could find at home. It wasn't the biggest or most elaborate float in the parade, but it represented exactly what Gravesham Pride has always been about. A community coming together, making something incredible from whatever we have and refusing to let adversity stand in our way.
Faced with an impossible decision, our volunteer committee chose not to let the community down. To ensure Pride could still take place, committee members personally contributed their own money to cover the costs of delivering the event.
Despite having only five weeks' public notice, the response was once again incredible. A total of 1,839 free tickets were reserved, proving that even in the most difficult circumstances, our community would always come together to celebrate inclusion, equality and belonging.
Looking back, 2023 wasn't defined by the challenges we faced, it was defined by the determination of a small team of volunteers, the generosity of those who refused to give up and the unwavering support of the community we are so proud to serve.
2024
Standing Together
By 2024, Gravesham Pride had become an established part of the borough's community calendar, with thousands of people continuing to show their support for a Pride that is free, inclusive and open to everyone.
Despite an increasingly challenging political climate and growing negativity towards LGBTQIA+ communities across the country, our place within the local community continued to grow. We were delighted to be welcomed back to the Northfleet Carnival, where our Pride float returned brighter, bolder and more colourful than ever. This time, our volunteers' hard work was recognised with second place for Best Decorated Float, a proud moment that reflected the incredible support we receive from our community.
The people of Gravesham also sent a powerful message of support for Pride itself. A total of 1,938 free tickets were reserved, demonstrating that kindness, acceptance and community will always be stronger than division.
The continued success of the event reinforced something we had known for years: Gravesham Pride is more than a single day of celebration. It is a safe space, a place of belonging and a reminder that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued and welcome in our borough.