Ryedale’s first Pride event has been hailed a huge success.

The Pride event, held at The Ham and Cheese, Scagglethorpe, last Saturday, raised close to £2,500 for the Bring Out Dementia programme run by LGBT Foundation.

The event organisers, Claire Marsh from the Ham and Cheese, Lucy Alexander and Nicole Vogwill from Nicole Vogwill Photography, said they had pulled together the event in only a few weeks and the response was amazing.

Nicole said. “What started as discussion for a small event to launch my new empowerment photography studio in Malton, turned into this amazing, first of its kind, Malton Pride celebration.

“We were a little nervous to see what the response would be, but in days of tickets going on sale we knew it was going to be great.”

The event saw performances from local singer Em Louise, accompanied by Chris Austin, and entertainment from two larger than life Drag Queens - Clair Mydia and Sylvia Sukalot.

The charity was chosen by Claire due to personal circumstances. The Bring out Dementia programme will provide specialised support and training for those caring for people living with Dementia in the LGBTQ+ community.

Lucy said: “Thanks to the overwhelming response of raffle prize donations and the turnout at the event, we’re looking to do something bigger and better next year.”

For more information, please contact Nicole Vogwill at hello@nicolevogwill.co.uk or find Malton Pride on Facebook. More information on Bring out Dementia can be found at www.lgbt.foundation