Giant scarf launches Norwich Pride Day
Last updated: 31/07/2010 08:00:00
 |
| The Norwich Pride scarf is carried from St Gregory's Church to City Hall |
A giant scarf has snaked its way through Norwich to promote the city's Norwich Pride day and parade today.
The 36m long hand knitted scarf was draped over the balcony of City Hall to try and drum up even more public support for the second annual parade and day of fun activities. It is hoped that about 6,000 people will line the streets as the parade sets off from 2pm for Chapelfield Gardens to celebrate Norwich's lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community and raise awareness of intolerance.
Since March an army of knitters from Norfolk and further afield have used their finger power to create 1,500 panels for the rainbow-themed scarf, which has one million stitches.
It was made by people who could not make the parade and wanted to show their support for it.
Yesterday the scarf was carried by about 20 people from the St Gregory's Centre for the Arts in St Gregory's Alley through the Lanes to the headquarters of Norwich City Council.
In a boost to Norwich Pride organisers County Hall gave special permission for the scarf to be draped on its long balcony.
Scarf organiser Helen Simpson-Slapp, 42, and who lives in what she called the gayest postcode of Norwich - NR3, was delighted the giant garment was helping to fight intolerance and hopefully draw large crowds to today's parade.
Describing it as a marathon scarf, she said: “it is absolutely fantastic that so many people helped to knit the scarf.
“It is just tremendous and its rainbow colours sum up what Norwich Pride is all about.
“I hope we can get 6,000 people out today. The day and parade is for everybody to enjoy and is so much fun.”
As the scarf was draped on City Hall Philip Young the vicar of St Thomas' Church in Heigham, Norwich gave a short service.
He said the rainbow was the perfect symbol to illustrative the sense of inclusiveness that Norwich Pride promotes.
Also taking part in yesterday's scarf antics was Norwich city councillor Jeremy Hooke a Liberal Democrat who represents Thorpe Hamlet.
He said: “It is really, really good that the Norwich City Council are backing Norwich Pride.”
Detial of today's Pride Day:
Dance demos and tasters on Millennium Plain (outside The Forum)
10am, Norwich Pride Choir rehearsal
11am, Latin and American with Miller Dance Studio
noon Line Dancing with Applejax
Pride Parade Preparations for Children, 10am noon at Norwich Arts Centre, St Benedicts Street.
Speakers and discussion, 11am to 5.30pm in The Curve at The Forum.
Future Radio live broadcast at Norwich Pride, noon, to 4pm at Millennium Plain
Pride Picnic, noon to 2pm at Chapelfield Gardens
The Parade, 2pm starting at Chapelfield Gardens and which proceeds along Theatre Street to the Forum
Pride Interfaith Service, 6pm at The Octagon Chapel, Pottergate
Chill-out cafe-bar at St Gregory's Church, Pottergate, late afternoon.