Our summer of community and advocacy continued this past weekend as the African Rainbow Family team and siblings came together for Chester Pride on Saturday, 15th August 2026! It was another powerful, uplifting day centred around solidarity, visibility, and mutual support.
Gathering at Castle Square
Our day kicked off at 11:00 am at the Lower Car Park next to Castle Square, which served as our designated meeting hub. Siblings gathered early to catch up, share warm greetings, and welcome new members into the family. Led by Emmanuel, our lead for the day, the atmosphere was buzzing with positive energy as everyone prepared banners and flags, getting ready to showcase our proud presence.
Marching Through Chester
At 12:00 pm sharp, our contingent stepped off to join the main parade. Marching along the accessible 1-mile route through Chester’s historic streets, our group brought vibrant colour, music, and energy. Together, we made our voices heard, standing strong for the human rights and visibility of LGBTIQ+ refugees and people seeking asylum.
A Safe Space for Connection
Beyond participating in the parade, Chester Pride was all about taking care of our family. Following the march, siblings had the opportunity to gather near the main festival site to rest, connect, share stories, and enjoy the day together in a warm, welcoming, and safe environment. Moments like these remind us of the heart of ARF: building community and creating spaces where everyone belongs.
Thank You, Chester!
A massive thank you to the organisers of Chester Pride for hosting such an inclusive event, to Emmanuel for leading our team on the day, and to every single sibling who came out to march and spend the day together.
Our season of community, pride, and advocacy is still moving forward—stay tuned for our next update! Together, we connect, we rise, and we celebrate who we are.
