Welcoming Pride in Liverpool
25.07.24 - Merseyside
This weekend (Saturday 27 July) sees the return of the City Region’s annual ‘March with Pride’ event and Merseyside Police is set to welcome the thousands of visitors that will come together to celebrate the LGBTQ+ Community.
With predictions from the organisers, LCR Pride Foundation, that this year’s event will have the biggest turn out yet, the force has their policing plan in place so that everyone can enjoy the celebrations in style and have a safe and fantastic time.
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “March with Pride is a wonderful opportunity to honour inclusivity and diversity across our fantastic region.
“This annual event is always a highlight in my calendar and I’m incredibly proud to join officers and staff from Merseyside Police to show support for our LGBTQ+ communities.
“I want to make sure that our LGBTQ+ community feel heard, feel supported and most importantly feel safe to be themselves.
“I’m proud to fund dedicated initiatives across Merseyside that provide essential hate crime support to those that need it through Stop Hate UK and Citizens Advice.
“We will wholeheartedly continue to celebrate the diverse communities that make our region come to life.”
Superintendent Geoff Stewart in charge of the policing operation for Pride, said: “The force is well rehearsed with large-scale events like Pride and we have been working closely alongside partners such as the LCR Pride Foundation and Liverpool City Council to ensure everyone’s safety.
“We would like to remind people of some simple advice that applies to any busy event in the city and that is to keep their valuables close and secure personal belongings including bags, purses and mobile phones – do not leave them unattended.
“Officers have been engaging with staff at St George’s Hall and businesses along the route in the Pride Quarter through to Pier Head to remind them to be vigilant, trust their instincts and report any suspicious or unusual activity.
“The public will see an increased police presence in the city centre but should feel reassured and not alarmed by this. We use a variety of tactics to disrupt any potential criminality and keep people safe, so you’ll spot the high-visibility patrols, but probably not the plain-clothes officers also working this weekend.
“There will be plenty of officers in the area to assist people, so please come and say ‘hello’ to them. Our Community Engagement team will also have a mobile police station at Brunswick Street, near the Cunard Building on the waterfront.
“Public transport is expected to be busy, so as a result, we would just like to ask where possible, you try to plan your journey, so you know the route you plan to take and regularly check timetables.
“We expect large numbers of people to head to bars, clubs and restaurants across the event weekend. Enjoy the march and make the most of what the city of Liverpool has on offer but please look out for each other.
“We will not tolerate violence, antisocial behaviour or hate crime. If you witness such an incident, or if you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right, please report it to a member of staff or police officer or call 101. In an emergency, always call 999."
In addition to policing the event, the force also has several police officers and staff who chose to volunteer to take part in the march themselves, along with their friends and family.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy KPM, said: ‘‘Once again, I am proud to be marching in person at this year’s March with Pride event.
“Pride is attended and supported by visitors from across the region and the country, it is a fantastic way for us to engage with members of the public, particularly with the LGBTQ+ community.
“Marching in our uniforms is an opportunity for our force to be seen as a visible ally, highlighting our solidarity and support both to our LGBTQ+ community and our colleagues.
“Inclusion remains one of my force priorities and this is because I believe that the more diverse we become, the greater operational understanding we develop and the better the service we provide to our communities.”
For more information about Pride in Liverpool, visit - LCR Pride.
Information on buses and trains is available on the Mersey travel website and the Merseyrail website.