Thousands gather in St Helier to celebrate a decade of LGBTQ+ progress while highlighting the global threat to equal rights.
Thousands of people lined the streets of Jersey on Saturday to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Channel Islands Pride, turning the island’s capital into a sea of colour, music, and inclusive celebration.
The Pride Parade began in Royal Square shortly after 1pm BST, winding its way through the heart of St Helier before arriving at People’s Park for a full day of festivities. Attendees—many dressed in rainbow colours, glitter, and feather boas—lined the streets, waving flags and cheering the marchers, the BBC reported.
The milestone event not only marked a decade since the first Pride march took place in the Channel Islands in 2014, but also served as a vibrant show of allyship at a time when LGBTQ+ communities across the globe are facing renewed challenges.
People’s Park was transformed into a festival space, complete with live music stages, children’s play areas, wellbeing zones, and food stalls.
People’s Park was transformed into a festival space, complete with live music stages, children’s play areas, wellbeing zones, and food stalls. Among the performers was DJ Woody Cook, son of famed DJ Fatboy Slim and BBC Radio presenter Zoe Ball, who paused his 90-mile fundraising walk to kick off the musical performances. The headline act of the evening was former X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke, who drew a large crowd with her energetic set.
Kaye Nicholson, CEO of the LGBTQ+ advocacy charity Liberate Jersey, said the turnout exceeded expectations and showed the importance of public celebrations like Pride. “We had so many people turn out looking amazingly beautiful,” she said. “It was just a joyous occasion. But it’s also a vital opportunity for allyship, especially as we’re seeing a rollback of LGBTQ rights in parts of the world. It’s important we continue to preserve and protect what we’ve fought for.”
The Channel Islands have made notable strides in LGBTQ+ equality over the past decade. Same-sex marriage was legalised in Jersey in 2018 and in Guernsey in 2017, while anti-discrimination laws have been strengthened across both islands. Yet campaigners warn that the fight for full equality is not over.
Dr Adam Perchard, who opened the event at the main stage and served as the day’s master of ceremonies, recalled the early days of the movement. “It’s such a special vibe because it’s our 10-year anniversary,” they said. “I remember the first Pride here. When I was a teenager in Jersey, I faced discrimination. So to see these streets filled with love and support is nothing short of wonderful.”
In a message shared on the event’s social media channels, organisers said they were proud of the diversity represented at this year’s event — from the queer community to allies of all ages and backgrounds. “We want Pride to be a celebration, but also a reminder that equality must be defended — in our islands and beyond.”
The Pride march in Jersey is one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ events in the Channel Islands and alternates annually between Jersey and Guernsey. This year’s celebration also included workshops, art displays, and mental health resources, making it as much about education and wellbeing as it was about partying.
Liberate Jersey, the main organiser, continues to work with schools, workplaces, and government bodies to improve inclusion and awareness on the islands. The charity recently launched a mental health support initiative specifically for young LGBTQ+ islanders, recognising that many still experience stigma and isolation.
As Pride flags waved into the evening and music echoed through the park, the message was clear: the Channel Islands may be small, but their voice in the global LGBTQ+ community is growing louder — and prouder — than ever.
