2nd November, 2005
Pride Western Australia Incorporated has begun work to identify ways to grow its famous Pride Parade through the streets of Northbridge.The 16th Annual Pride Parade was staged last Saturday 29th October, drawing more than 70,000 spectators to watch a near record number of Parade entries.
Pride Co-President Laura Foster paid tribute to all those who marched in the Parade.
"Pride WA thanks every single person who marched in this year's Parade and congratulates them for the wonderful atmosphere and community spirit generated on the night," she said.
"There was a true sense of community that everyone I spoke with reported feeling.
"I would also like to thank all those who volunteered on the night, particularly the 120 Pride members who worked as marshals on the Parade route."
Pride Co-President Daniel Smith said, while the vibe on the night was excellent, there was a real opportunity to assist Parade entrants to build their floats.
"While we had almost a record number of Parade entries, the proportion of those entries that were actual floats was the lowest in many years," he said.
"Feedback we have received from Parade entrants is that they would appreciate assistance to build floats.
"Over the years, a number of the people who have built Pride Parade floats have moved on and many of our younger people don't have the benefit of having mentors to teach them the tricks of the trade.
"Pride is now actively investigating options to build partnerships with other artistic groups that could see their artistic talents assist our Parade entrants build floats.
"Groups that we will be talking to include Artrage, who run the Northbridge Festival at the same time the Pride Festival is staged, and various University and TAFE arts faculties. However, while we will consider cooperating with these groups in mutually beneficial ways, it will always be in the context of the Pride Parade remaining an independent event, managed by Pride WA, that promotes the visibility of the Pride Community.
"We will brief members further at our Information Forum on 20 November and report on the outcomes of our discussions at this year's Annual General Meeting, which will be held at the Alexander Library on 12th February."