The Rushden Pride fundraising event took place at The Welcome Inn, on the 19th, 20th and 21st June.
Rushden Pride began in 2025. Rushden Pride 2026 was an incredible three-day celebration of love, community, and pride. Whilst normally it is a fairly low-key event, this year, it made the national news.
The celebration, included:
- A fantastic Freddie Mercury tribute impersonator bringing the legendary hits to life
- Fabulous drag queen performances full of glamour, laughs, and unforgettable moments
- Local groups and performers showcasing talent from across the community
The organisers put up a poster at Washbrook Road, near Asda to promote the weekend. It was stolen on 25th May.
A new, bigger poster was put up adjacent to Manor Park, in the south of Rushden, (with the consent of Rushden Town Council and North Northamptonshire Council). Around 6th June, this new poster was set on fire.
Sapphire Matthewman from Rushden Pride, said
“It’s devastating to know that someone would destroy something that everyone chipped in to purchase.”
“It’s disheartening and shows exactly why we need Pride events.”
