Freddie Palmer and Becca Morris from Guernsey tied the knot at the Channel Islands Pride celebrations. The ceremony took place on the event’s centre stage in St Peter Port Market Square, making it a highlight of the celebrations.
History in the Channel Islands: First Wedding on the Pride Stage
According to the organizers, this was the first ever Pride wedding in the Channel Islands. In fact, they noted that it may be the first wedding to take place on stage at any Pride event. Freddie expressed his feelings: “We are now officially married and we can say it. This is for everyone – for all the young people who need to see this kind of recognition to feel part of the community.”
The couple led the annual Pride parade, which saw hundreds of participants march from Candy Gardens through St Peter Port to Market Square. In the lead-up to the wedding, Becca admitted she was nervous because Pride held a special meaning for her. “It means so much to me because Pride is what makes me feel confident and embrace my lesbian identity,” she said. Ellie Jones, director of Normandy Pride, said the wedding could be “the first time in the world that a couple has gotten married on stage at a Pride event.”
“We couldn’t find another example where this was happening legally,” she said. “We have unique marriage laws that allow marriage to take place anywhere, at any time, rather than being restricted to certain buildings.” The annual celebration of sexual diversity and inclusion is hosted by Liberate, alternating between Jersey and Guernsey each year.
Guernsey Festival: Opening Night and Great Events Bringing the Community Together
The festival officially opened on Friday evening, with the main events taking place on Saturday. The program includes performances by Mercedes Bends and Jersey Ballet, as well as a variety of activities, including creative workshops and a family-friendly area.
Drag queen Magenta, who is patron of the Channel Islands charity Liberate, said she was in Guernsey to have a great time. “It’s an opportunity for everyone to celebrate their uniqueness and feel united. It’s an incredible event,” she said.
“We had friends from Jersey and the UK join us – it really brings people together,” said participants. Among those watching the events at Candie Gardens was Guernsey’s Lieutenant Governor Richard Cripwell. He said: “This is a hugely important event and shows a wonderfully inclusive community.”
The Guernsey Festival was a shining example of the importance of events that promote inclusion and diversity. From performances to creative workshops, every moment of the event was infused with a spirit of inclusion and unity. The presence of high-profile guests and the active participation of representatives from different communities only highlights how important such support is in creating a friendlier and more open society.
Events like this festival remind us of the importance of mutual understanding and respect in our society. Not only do they create a platform to celebrate individuality, but they also strengthen the bonds between different groups of people. The inspiring words of Lieutenant Governor Richard Crippwell and the active participation of guests make this celebration an important step towards a more inclusive and solidarity-based world.
