THURROCK'S First Pride Festival, which took place on Saturday, 8 June has been hailed a landmark success.

The day began with a flag-waving walk from Purfleet to Grays, events in the town centre, a flag raising at the Thameside Complex in the town  alongside a number of performance appearances and, in the evening, a show in the complex's theatre.

Nub News reported on events as they progressed, see links below, and afterwards spoke to theatre manager Dianna Ferry, who summed up the day's events.

She said: "What a day to remember. I am so grateful for Thurrock LGBT+ Network for having faith in my team to be their safe space to build their network and make history in hosting Thurrock's First Pride event.

"Thank you for inviting me to be on your board and for teaching me so much. Thank you and well done to Arts Outburst for organising the event on behalf of the network and to my amazing team for the hard work they have put in to make the day a memorable one for so many.

"What a day to remember.

"Thank you to Kinetika for organising the walk and flags, to Blatella Films for documenting the day and to all the sponsors as without your funding it wouldn't have happened.

"Thank you to all of the amazing performers, panel members, to everyone who ran the workshops, the library and museum staff for their activities and support and our security teams for keeping us all safe.

"To all the stall holders and food vendors. To all of those who helped get the building looking the best it has for a long time, for everyone who supports the network every month, to all of the volunteers who have their time and our wonderful Thameside Young Producers.

"Thank you to Claire Prosho for having me as part of your panel discussion even if I did cry at the end this day meant so much to so many people and I hope to see lots of you again soon.

"It also means the world to me as part of my vision to make the Thameside Theatre a welcoming, inclusive and accessible place for all.

"The Thameside is a special place to be celebrated. Let's all keep bringing it alive and save it for the future of our community."