Knowsley to celebrate its first ever Pride 'Rainbow in the Park'

Knowsley’s first-ever Pride event will be held in Huyton this summer, in a day of celebration and awareness for residents, families, local organisations and the LGBTQ+ community.

Knowsley Pride ‘Rainbow in the Park’ will take place in Court Hey Park, Huyton on Friday 2 August 2024 and welcomes people of all ages to enjoy the festivities.

It has been spearheaded by charitable organisation, One Knowsley and the Knowsley Pride Steering Group with funding from the Michael Causer Foundation, and follows a series of Pride events for the city, including LCR Foundation’s ‘Pride in Liverpool’ celebrations on Saturday 27 July.

The day has been chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the death of Michael Causer, who was tragically murdered in Knowsley on 2 August 2008, and the day will culminate in the 16th annual vigil for the Whiston-born teen, which we invite all the community to attend.

Last year, One Knowsley took over the running of the Michael Causer Foundation, originally set up by Michael’s parents and Merseyside’s LGBTQ+ community to provide support, education, motivation and accommodation for young LGBTQ+ people in Merseyside.

Members of the LGBTQ+ arts and creative community are being invited to apply for community grants that will support various commissions providing family-friendly activities and sessions for Knowsley Pride that inspire connections and build understanding around inclusivity and equality.

Michael Causer event, Court Hey Park, Huyton

Racheal Jones, One Knowsley CEO, spoke about the importance of Knowsley Pride for the area:

“One Knowsley is committed to promoting inclusivity and equality across the borough in a collective mission against hate.

“Knowsley Pride will be a family-friendly event, a celebration of acceptance for all, regardless of age, sexuality or ethnicity, and will be an important step in bringing the Knowsley community together.”

The Knowsley Pride Steering Group comprises private, public and community sector organisations alongside LGBTQ+ community members and allies from the Liverpool City Region.

John Lowe, chair of the Knowsley Pride Steering Group and trustee of the Michael Causer Foundation, said:

“Being able to honour Michael’s legacy and that of all victims of hate crime through education and events such as Knowsley Pride is a responsibility that we take very seriously.

“Knowsley Pride will be a safe space and celebration for all to enjoy; there will be something for everyone to take away from the day, whether that be more understanding, a feeling of community or simply memories from a day well spent with family and friends.”

Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, added:

“I am thrilled that the first-ever Knowsley Pride celebration will launch this summer.

“This will incorporate a week of community activities, culminating in the event at Court Hey Park on 2 August.

“The events will be inclusive to people of all ages and involve a range of organisations in celebrating the life of Michael Causer and showing the support we have in the borough for the LGBQT+ community.

“This will be a fantastic opportunity to promote the message of inclusivity in Knowsley as part of a wonderful celebration.”

Knowsley Pride will take place from 10am – 3pm on Friday 2 August 2024 at Court Hey Park, Roby Road, Huyton, followed by the Michael Causer Vigil at 7pm.

One Knowsley welcomes the support of local businesses and community groups, to register your interest, please contact: Ami-Lee.Price@OneKnowsley.org