We visit Chesterfield Pride to experience the sights and sounds of a star-studded community party in the park

The party in the park was a joy-filled afternoon as rainbow flags and bright oufits turned Stand Road recreation ground into a sea of colour. The LGBTQ+ event gave individuals the opportunity to express themselves in a welcoming and safe environment.

Una Healy from The Saturdays headlined the afternoon of music and merry-making where she got the crowd all fired up with pop bangers and country singalongs. RuPaul’s Drag Race favourites Choriza May and Kate Butch topped the bill in the cabaret tent, where their wit and singing went down a storm with the capacity crowd.

Betty Boo performed her greatest hit Doin the Do with a troupe of backing singers including drag queen Electric Blue and main stage hosts Mamma Bear and Ashley Stone.

In another memorable sight, Scooch singer Natalie Powers was joined by flag-waving drag queens Alexative and Mamma Bear when she performed her band’s Eurovision entry Flying The Flag.

NIneties heart-throb Adam Rickitt praised Chesterfield Borough Council for supporting the event and captured the hearts of the audience by saying: “You need to be proud of who you are – you are you and you are beautiful and you are everything I believe in. This community has been the rock that has got me through some very dark times.”

Chesterfield Pride 2026 was a day for everyone, offering an eclectic mix of artists, community stalls and funfair rides.

I thought the 10th anniversary party last year would be hard to match – but chief organiser Dan Walker and his team of stalwart volunteers have once again done the town proud.

Having snapped up an early bird ticket for just £6 in February, I was impressed by the calibre of the acts at an event which offered great value for money. I’ve no doubt burned off a few pounds too as I dashed between the main stage and the cabaret tent in an attempt to catch as much of the show as possible!