In Summer 2024, Oasis took our Pride season to new heights, launching our most ambitious celebration yet. As Pride events have blossomed across East Anglia, we’ve embraced the chance to participate in a growing number of local, smaller gatherings, while still shining brightly at the grand event that is Norwich Pride. This year, our presence was felt far and wide, from intimate community celebrations to the vibrant streets of Norwich, making 2024 a season of inclusivity, visibility, and joy like never before. Let me give you a quick sketch of our summer
June: We kicked off at very breezy Bungay on Saturday 1st. Adjacent to Bungay Castle, together with Abbigail, Hana, Jaqui and Laurens B & C, we set up our little gazebo and display pop-ups, strapped them down as best we could and hoped for the best. A wonderful day ensued and congratulations go to Leon and the organising committee for creating such an intimate and fun day, embracing the whole community. Next on Sunday 23rd we had the Trans Pride Picnic in a super sunny Waterloo Park, wow, what a scorcher! Clear blue skies brought there own challenge, and lashings of suntan lotion were the order of the day. We enjoyed a joyful afternoon, and it was so uplifting to share time with so many younger members of the Trans and Non-Binary communities.
Finally in June, Saturday 29th saw Phyliss and Hana join us at an lovely little event outside of Beccles Library. On a calm warm early summers day we met and spoke to some many young positive and optimistic young folk, it filled my heart with joy. ‘Well done you’ to organiser Chloe, who had arranged folk singers and an actor reading some of Shakespeare’s sonnets to add to the peaceful and serene ambience.
July: On Saturday 6th, Serena led the way as our charabang alighted at Dereham Does Pride. On this occasion the weather was against us, with the day wet and cool but our never say die attitude occasionally even brought out the sun. We had a wonderful turn out of Oasis folk, let me see if I can remember who …. we had Vicky, Jaqui, Lauren, Theresa, Lorraine, Dee, Amy, Sue C, Amy C. Well done all for staying warm and flying the flag. Then the big one! Norwich, hurrah! Such a wonderful, wonderful day. All I can say is thank you to all you O’Priders for supporting the day, especially to Abby and Hana, who put up with a petulant me during set-up, to Steph, Barbara’s daughter, to the magnificent Phyliss, to Serena and Rachel for minding the shop, to super photographer Andrea, to all the marchers and banner holders, and to Beccie, who joined us from her North Norfolk lair. Thank you Norwich Pride.
August. Saturday 3rd saw the Oasis charabang replace by our faithful Reliant Regal Van (in yellow of course), as we downsized to England’s most easterly Pride in Lowestoft. Fortunately the weather app was not entirely reliable, and we enjoyed a largely dry day. Thank you to Geri and Phyliss for their support and to Lowestoft Town Council for hosting this happy, happy event. Next we headed west on Saturday 17th for the final leg of our summer adventure. With the help of Jaqui, Lauren, Theresa, Lorraine, Penny and Vicky, up went the trusty gazebo one last time in King’s Lynn. We marched, we chatted, we laughed and munched our way through another stunning day. Thank you to everybody who contributed to a truly memorable summer, we have lot of joy to reflect on during those long winter months, whilst we plot and scheme our way to a bigger and better 2025.
Sometimes I’m asked, what is the point of Pride? Simples, Pride is a celebration, a protest and simply a fantastic day. A wonderful safe space where Oasis folk can gather and be together.
From its roots in the gay liberation movement in the 70’s, each Pride provides a moment for our community to celebrate just how far we’ve come since the 1967 act. An opportunity to reflect on the giants upon whose shoulders we stand, just like our very own Barbara. The Gender Recognition Act 2004 and The Equality Act 2010, which are so important to our daily lives, didn’t happen by accident; they were the consequence of the bravery and hard work of those selfless folk who fought for our rights.
A protest? Many forces would like to roll back our rights right now; we need to stand together, be united and make our voices heard.
Of course, Pride isn’t for everyone but if you love a party, love spending time with friends, love turning acquaintances into friendships, love meeting new folk and reaching out, then pop those 2025 dates into your diary. Oasis will be there and I hope you will too.
Lots of Love
Lilly xxx
PS In 2025, We would like to add Ely and Bury St Edmunds Prides to our roster but we can’t do this alone. If you would like to take the lead at one of these or at your local Pride please let us know. As we said, Pride isn’t for everyone, but if it is for you, maybe it’s time to step up.
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