By Linzi Watson

Last updated 13:43, Tuesday, 19 August 2008

MORE than 600 people attended Dumfries and Galloway’s first lesbian, gay and bisexual Pride day.

Held at Park Farm, Dumfries, on Saturday, August 16, the event was kicked off by Pop Idol star Michelle McManus who raised the rainbow flag, belting out Rozalla’s dance anthem Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good).

People travelled from as far as London and organisers say the success of Dumfries Pride proved that rural areas can host successful Pride events – and that Dumfries and Galloway is a great place to visit, regardless of sexual orientation.

Michael Hawthorne, Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Community Health Manager, LGBT Youth Scotland, said: “Dumfries Pride was an event for the whole community, celebrating Dumfries and Galloway’s rich diversity.

“As well as congratulating the region for its leading stance on working towards full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, Dumfries Pride raised the visibility of LGBT people within our communities.

“That we have been able to reach out to people who may be living in very isolated situations because of reactions to their sexual orientation is a massive achievement – but that we have also been able to encourage the whole community to come together to show their support for equality is fantastic.”