LOUD, PROUD AND A MASSIVE CROWD

By Toby Longhurst

Brisbane's LGBT community has celebrated Pride Fair Day in record numbers with an estimated 14,000 people attending the Pride Fair at Musgrave Park, breaking last year's record by 4,000 people.

Any concerns that organisers may have had about a last minute change of venue for the rally and a new route for the parade were quickly put to rest as thousands of people packed into the Roma Street Forum to rally for their rights and to remember those who had fought so hard for the rights enjoyed by the community today.

Organisers estimate over three thousand people participated in the Rally and March, almost doubling the number of people at last year's event.

Brisbane pride Festival President Scott Hampson received a huge cheer as he welcomed the massive crowd, before introducing guest speakers Peter Furness from Australian Marriage Equality, Russell Flynn from Open Doors, Mark Morein from QAHC and local member for Brisbane Central, Grace Grace.

From there the crowd, lead by the Dykes on Bikes, took to the streets, marching towards Musgrave Park in what was definitely the largest, noisiest and most colourful Pride March to date.

With over 70 stalls, rides, 2 bars, the pet parade and live entertainment, Pride Fair Day kept everyone partying all day and well into the night.

BPF President Scott Hampson told QNews that he was ecstatic with the turnout on the day and thankful that the last minute changes to the venue and the restrictions on full strength alcohol did not have a negative effect.

"The Day was a huge success; we could not be happier. There were some concerns that changes to the liquor licensing laws and a late change of venue for the rally might have had an effect on numbers, but it was not the case at all", Mr Hampson said.

"The change of venue for the rally turned out to be a blessing in disguise, with more people showing up than ever before and the amphitheatre setting creating a much better atmosphere. The change also meant that we didn't have to put up with Christian protesters this year. They must have gotten lost - God bless them.

"On behalf of everyone from the Brisbane Pride Festival I would like to say a big thank you to everybody who participated and made this the biggest Pride fair on record."

Funds raised on the gate will go towards staging next year's Pride Festival as well as providing community grants.

The 34 day Brisbane Pride Festival will continue until 4 July. For a full list of remaining Pride Festival events or to view photos of BPF events, please visit www.qnews.com.au.