Merseyside Police to take part in Pride in Liverpool 2019

Deputy Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, Cheshire Police Deputy Chief Constable Julie Cooke, Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Kennedy and officers and staff from Merseyside Police will once again be taking part in this year’s Pride in Liverpool march on Saturday 27^th July 2019.

Around 140 Merseyside Police officers, specials, cadets and staff, will march alongside colleagues from other forces across England and Wales.

The march will start at St Georges Plateau and progress through the city centre before finishing at Tithebarn Street where the day long festival – ‘Pride in Liverpool – Come As You Are' - will take place.

Merseyside Police Chief Constable, Andy Cooke QPM said: "Merseyside Police continues to support Pride in Liverpool and we have seen the event go from strength to strength.

"I am delighted that this year once again officers and staff from the Force will be taking part in the march, as well as policing the actual event.

"As a Force we believe that all our communities should be treated with equality and that everyone should be able to enjoy themselves without fear of prejudice and discrimination.

"Pride in Liverpool is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the diversity of Merseyside which is what makes it such a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

"Our continued participation in the event also re-emphasises our continued commitment to helping the communities we serve and demonstrating that we will not tolerate hate crime of any kind.

"We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our LGBT partners in both policing and participating in today’s event and I hope everyone enjoys what will undoubtedly will be a very safe and successful Pride in Liverpool 2019.

Superintendent Dawn McNally is the Silver Commander for the event.

She said: “I would, on behalf of Merseyside Police, like to welcome everyone – both residents of Merseyside and visitors to the city – who are taking part in this year’s Pride in Liverpool.

“The march and festival are always well attended with a fantastic atmosphere and our officers will be visible throughout the event to help make sure everyone has a great time and is able to enjoy the event safely.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind people of some general advice to ensure the event runs smoothly:

• be aware of your surroundings and those around you as Pride will be a really busy event
• take care of your property and keep valuables close - don't leave bags and mobile phones unattended at any time
• keep wallets, purses and cash safe and out of sight
• Pride is very much a family event so keep children close by as there will be large crowds
• If you are going to enjoy the city's pubs, bars and clubs, please do so safely. Drink responsibly, stick with your friends and plan your route home and you should have a great time.

“Pride in Liverpool promises to be another fantastic day in a summer of big events for Liverpool and I'm confident this year's event will be another success.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Kennedy said: "Liverpool’s Pride celebrations are always a high point in the calendar and I am delighted to be marching once again this year. It is an honour to walk with Chief Officers, and officers, PCSOs, Specials and staff of all ranks from the force, alongside hundreds of members of the LGBT community and their family and friends.

"Pride in Liverpool celebrates the diversity of our region, and provides an opportunity to raise awareness of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. It is also an opportunity to remember a young man who was murdered because he was different.

"Pride is an important part of the drive for a better world for our LGBT community and I hope it helps to give people the confidence to know, if they have been subjected to abuse or hate, they can speak out, either to Merseyside Police or to the independent charity Stop Hate UK, in the knowledge that they will be listened to, understood and supported.

"Pride grows in strength year-on-year, and I’m sure this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever. I wish everyone a fun, safe and successful weekend during the festivities."

For more information about this year's Pride in Liverpool event go to www.prideinliverpool.co.uk