Birmingham Pride 2022: festival co-founder looks at plans for the 25th anniversary celebrations

A rainbow of unity lit up Birmingham as thousands turned out to enjoy one of the city’s biggest festivals.

Birmingham Pride has survived the pandemic and made an awesome return - with the promise of even bigger and better things to come.

BirminghamWorld spoke to festival co-founder Phil Oldershaw who returned to the stage to present Birmingham Pride for the first time in 11 years.

In addition to hosting the festival, Phil is also one of the leaders of an inspiring plan to erect a six-metre high sculpture to remember those who lost their lives in the AIDS epidemic and educate against discrimination.

More than £16,000 has already been raised for the Birmingham AIDS and HIV Memorial (BAHM) sculpture which was announced at the festival and is planned to stand in the Southside district of the city in time for the Commonwealth Games.

BAHM Ambassadors Dr Naomi Sutton, a sexual health consultant who has featured on E4’s ‘The Sex Clinic’, and Dr Steven Taylor, from Birmingham Heartlands HIV Service were on stage with artist Garry Jones for the announcement.

Phil said: “Being invited to come back and host this year by Lawrence Barton was like coming home.

“I love the stage, and I love the people who come to share their time with a collection of others in unity, equality and diversity.

“Moments are made and memories that last.

“It only felt like yesterday since I co-created the Birmingham Pride event for the community in 1997.

“However, Lawrence and all involved have taken Pride forward over the last 11 years, and turned it into a colossal festival, and this year was certainly on another level!”

Festival goers danced the day and night away as Katy B and Sophie Ellis Bextor took to the stage along with performances from Clean Bandit, Sister Sledge, Free Masons, Jodie Harsh and Jax Jones.

Phil admitted his favourite was BONEY M, who he announced.

As everyone recovers from the brilliant weekend expectations are already high that next year is going to be even better as Birmingham Pride celebrates a quarter of a century.

Phil said: “Next year will be the 25th Birmingham Pride and it really is an exciting year for Birmingham.

“I really can’t wait to see the city open their eyes to the glamour, colour, equality, community and overall magical magnificence that is Birmingham Pride.”

You can donate to the Birmingham AIDS and HIV Memorial here

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