The Smalltown and Dullbridge Crowd had a day of two halves on Saturday, with one Crowd taking part in the Pride a Really Unique and Diverse Event (PRUDE) Endurance Test (PET), which set off at 10.30am from Dullbridge Train Station before finally arriving at Chateau Gardens at noon.
An older member of the Crowd told SomersetClive “Even though it took us just under two hours to walk the route, it was still quicker than the old Slow and Dreary train service which used to follow practically the same route from Dullbridge to Smalltown, before Dr Beecham’s swingeing cuts in the 1960s.”
Despite the Monsoon weather conditions in Chateau Park the Crowd were treated to an enjoyable afternoon of entertainment and even the presence of Dictator Kelsey Dullard and Deputy Dictator Cruella Sherry failed to dampen their enthusiasm for all things rainbow and glittery.
Organisers said “We had a lovely Sparkly Glittery Day and I think we’ve finally buried the rumour started by Bill Old, former Chairman of the Smalltown and Dullbridge (SaD) Carnivoo Committee, when he claimed that residents of Smalltown and Dullbridge do not welcome members of the LGBTQWERTY community here.
Everyone shared the love and the Crowd was incredibly supportive.”
Stallholder Her Archbishopness, The Right Purplicious Karen Elderflower of St Genesis Church in Smalltown said “We had a great event and PRUDE did Smalltown proud. God loves you all.”
Sofas of Dullbridge, a sponsor of the event said “We were really lucky here in Dullbridge that you chose our town as the starting point for the PET. So often Dullbridge is ignored, so we feel very lucky to have been included as part of your inclusive event.”
Visitor to the event Robert Pattinson said “PRUDE was an amazing event and amazing afternoon!! Hopefully it can become an annual event as there is definitely a market in Smalltown for such a safe and inclusive celebration. Who knows – members of the LGBTQWERTY community may even be welcomed with open arms by the Smalltown Carnivoo Committee.”
Another Event Sponsor, George Lion from Bevs Local Shop in Dullbridge, said “Don’t forget you promised to include us in all your promotional material. We were proud to promote PRUDE in our store and our special discount offers on jellied oysters, prunes, spotted dick and nuts during PRUDE week really got everyone into the party spirit.”
The organisers say they are now looking forward to next year and have big plans for PRUDE-2 (The Return).