Raising the Grand Central rainbow flag 

We take our commitment to diversity and equality very seriously and we were delighted to support the LGBT+ community this year with sponsorship of Sunderland, York Pride and Wakefield events.

Despite the inevitable rainstorms, Sunderland Pride was, as expected, a colourful and lively affair, with thousands of people gathering at the main festival in Sunniside Gardens and with performances from acts such as the Cheeky Girls, Sonia, Stooshe and Kelly Llorena. This was our second year at Sunderland Pride and we raised £200 for the charity.                                                           

In York, we were working with fabulous Drag Race star, Veronica Green, and we walked the full three-mile parade with Y01 Radio and talking to the local community about what more we could be doing to help with social acceptance and maintaining the Pride values. 

“Walking in the parade was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” Veronica told YSTV, “Seeing the community coming out and supporting our community is something I thought I would never see in my lifetime and to see rows and rows of ordinary families coming out and putting up bunting and the rainbow flags. Seeing allies come out to support us, it’s been one of the best Pride experiences I’ve ever had.”

In Wakefield, we sponsored one of the performing acts Tytania, a 5 piece band who were sure to get the crowd going playing covers from the hit show 'Stranger Things', aswell as providing a 1st class train tickets to the lucky raffle winner.

We’re pleased to continue supporting Pride events across the network because we know how crucial these events still are in raising awareness and driving inclusivity. “It’s really important that we support these events,” says Hannah Bromage, Grand Central’s community engagement manager, “and try to make the world a better place.”