After PrideFest2025, we reached out to the community to hear their thoughts on how the weekend went and the impact that it had on them – from both individuals attending and businesses that got involved. We’ve been lucky to work with some truly amazing people and businesses for PrideFest so far, and we couldn’t be more grateful for them. Here are some of the kind things that they’ve had to say about being involved in PrideFest and working with Pride In Chippenham.
Chippenham Pride was an incredible celebration of inclusivity, diversity, and community spirit. We were delighted to see the town centre come alive with colour, music, and positivity, and we felt that energy flow directly into our business. The event had a significant impact on local businesses where Pride in Chippenham trusted them to carry out their own Pride tailored events, including Comedy events, Popups and Markets. We welcomed many new and returning guests who came together to enjoy the town’s festivities.
For us, Pride is about more than one weekend - it’s about supporting a culture where everyone feels welcome, respected, and able to be themselves. Having Pride based in the town centre ensures that this important celebration remains visible and accessible to all, and we believe it strengthens the heart of Chippenham as a community.
We are proud to stand alongside Pride in Chippenham and are in full support of keeping this event right here in town centre. Boston Burger will always celebrate and champion inclusivity, because it’s not just good for business - it’s essential for the community we love and serve.
We were thrilled to see how Pride in Chippenham, with its new integrated format, brought so much life into the town centre. The event created a real buzz that could be felt on every street and in every venue.
Footfall to our business was noticeably higher across the weekend, with many first-time visitors coming through our doors. Sales were strong and the atmosphere was electric from start to finish.
It wasn’t just about numbers — it was about the positive energy and inclusivity that Pride celebrated. Our team loved being part of such a vibrant community moment. The visibility and activity around the event made the whole town feel alive.
We saw customers staying longer, spending more, and sharing their experiences widely.
This shows the real value of cultural events in driving local economic impact. We look forward to supporting Pride in Chippenham again next year.
Having grown up in Chippenham and gone to school here it has been lovely to see the vibrant changes to the town in recent years.
Growing up in rural areas as part of a minority group will always be a struggle, with few role models to look for and seek guidance from it is easy to feel lost or struggle to find an identity that fits you.
And so, not to mention all the amazing friends I met in such a community focused space, it was lovely to see how many young people attended Pride in Chippenham. That they have a safe supportive space to explore their identities with friends and like-minded individuals, and to see all the care and support that Chippenham has for people like them, is a great good for the community from Pride in Chippenham.
Pride in Chippenham has been for me this year a wonderful opportunity to see how strong of a LGBTQ community there is in this town and that nobody has to face challenges alone when there are people who would love to support them.
~ Anonymous
I’m trans and moved to the area after lots of life upheaval a few years ago. I was facing complete isolation, I had no friends in the area, I rarely went out, hardly ever went into town & felt utterly alone.Pride In Chippenham changed this by just being so welcoming, so inclusive and supportive;we all help each other feel part not just of pride but of the whole of Chippenham –it'swonderful.It'schanged my life. I have so many friends now, I go into town regularly, I go on holiday with some of them, I have received so much support and love. I cannot think about living anywhere else, I love it here.
~ Anonymous
I loved pride. It was an event in which everyone could show up proudly as who they are and feel held and supported by the community. It brought people together and it is the first time I have felt fully included both as an individual and as a queer parent. It provided a space for both myself and my children to see the full diversity of life as well as the diversity of family dynamics and make up. It allowed me to be confident, be me and feel truly welcome.
Pride in Chippenham isn’t just a singular event, it’s all year. It's a family. It brings together people through social events, and it was through reaching out and coffee meet ups and event nights that I found my tribe, made friends and really found a community I can not only belong in but thrive in. Pride has made me feel heard and seen, it has allowed me to make brave steps in my life I probably wouldn’t have had the confidence to make without the friends and support network I have found from Pride and the Pride social events.
~ Max
I joined the pride in Chippenham committee in February and instantly felt welcome and that I found a group I belonged to. I think a key part of this was that there was never any pressure to do anything that may be too much for me. It was always felt like expectations were do what you can but never at the expense of health or stress etc. I was honest with several people when I joined about my anxiety and health, and I feel like these things were taken into consideration all throughout the year. From accessible venues, to not lifting heavy items, to emotional support going places, the support as invaluable to me. I also loved the team culture and the support we would all show to one another. We made a little sub-community where people would lift others up or offer a friendly face during struggles. This helped me massively mentally.
My confidence has grown so much that sometimes I don’t recognise the shy, quiet girl who joined in February. I have also made some of the very best friends through Pride in Chippenham. I found a little group of people who I especially connect and relate to, and I don’t know where I’d be without them now. I said at the start that I’d love to make some new friends. I feel so lucky that I have made friends with everyone who’s on the team, but I feel endlessly grateful for the little group of besties that I now have. I think they came exactly when I needed them.
~ Sarah
