Stirling Pride, the city’s inaugural pride event, has been awarded the prestigious title of the best pride event in Scotland at the Unicorn Awards 2024. The event took place in September and featured a diverse range of activities spread across King Street, celebrating and embracing the local LGBTQ+ community. With 50 events on the schedule, attendees of all ages immersed themselves in the festivities, enjoying promotions from local businesses and restaurants, as well as accessing a variety of information and services from stallholders present at the event.
The highlight of Stirling Pride was the dynamic line-up of 19 performers, including headliners DJ and producer Rebecca Vasmant and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star Kate Butch. Acts like Eyve, Megan Black, Emma Lynne Harley, and Beat That enthralled the audience, while additional performances by Joe Goodall and Stirling Youth Folk Club at the Fubar Stage inside Fubar nightclub added to the vibrant atmosphere. Notably, Olympic silver medal-winning curler Bruce Mouat graced the event as its special guest.
The recognition for Stirling Pride as the Scottish Pride of the Year was announced at the Unicorn Awards 2024 by Somewhere: For Us – Scotland’s LGBTQ+ Magazine. Nearly 7,000 individuals attended the free event, making it a resounding success. Sam Reid, Chair of Stirling Pride, expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment, emphasising the collaborative effort of the committee, sponsors, local businesses, volunteers, and the wider Stirling community in making the event a triumph.
Looking ahead, plans for the 2025 edition of Stirling Pride are already in motion, with a focus on expanding the event’s reach to encompass rural Stirling. The award serves as a fitting conclusion to a remarkable year for Stirling Pride, reinforcing its commitment to promoting LGBTQ+ culture and unity within the community.