Hundreds of people came together in glorious sunshine at Court Hey Park, Huyton on Saturday 8 August for Rainbow in the Park, the showcase event of Knowsley Pride 2026.
The free, family-friendly afternoon drew people of all ages to the Courtyard at Court Hey Park for two hours of live performance, music, workshops and community activity. With the sun shining and the atmosphere electric, it was a day that showed exactly what Knowsley’s community is capable of when it comes together.
Hosted by Paul Doyle, director of Leap Dance Festival, the afternoon opened with DJ Dave Brennan before singer Daisy Gill performed a Taylor Swift tribute set to an enthusiastic crowd. Young people from across the borough then took centre stage, with Vibe Youth Service showcasing creative work developed through weeks of workshops, followed by a movement procession from Pyromancy Productions and a closing performance from Holistic Empowerment and Interstellar Global, who delivered an original rap developed with young people from Towerhill Boxing Club in Kirkby. House of Suarez brought energy and spectacle, and the Cloak of Visibility, a wearable community art piece created by LGBTQ+ residents in Stockbridge Village, made its public debut by setting off from the stage to a warm reception from the crowd.
Vogue workshops ran throughout the afternoon, giving attendees of all ages the chance to get involved, and community stallholders provided activities and engagement across the site.
The event was attended by the Mayor of Knowsley, Cllr Edna Finneran, Council Leader Cllr Graham Morgan, and Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell.
Racheal Jones, CEO of One Knowsley, said: “Rainbow in the Park brought to a close a week of Knowsley Pride activity that began on Sunday 2 August with the 18th annual Vigil for Michael Causer. The vigil, which marked eighteen years since Michael’s tragic passing at the age of eighteen, set a powerful tone for the week that followed, one of remembrance, community and ultimately, celebration.
“The week’s events, including Rainbow in the Park, were made possible through the support of One Knowsley and the Michael Causer Fund, which invested in community organisations across the borough to deliver creative and educational projects in the lead up to Pride.”
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, said: “The Pride events held in Knowsley have been wonderful, bringing people together from all sections of society and showing they are welcome in our borough regardless of race, gender or sexuality.
“Knowsley is a welcoming, inclusive borough where everyone can feel accepted. As a council we will continue to stand alongside LGBTQ+ people in our borough, always call out hate when we see it, and celebrate the incredible contribution of all people in our communities. We are proud to support Pride.”
Were you at Rainbow in the Park? Share your photos from the day at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tr8GVAbb5ixtmHnC1Rsa-ThpPt1pF9rM