Pride Party

Sunnybank was awash with colour this Pride Month as people we support and staff came together to celebrate love, identity, and the vibrant diversity that makes our community so special. With the sun shining and spirits high, the party was a joyful explosion of colour, music, and laughter.

The attendance of two special VIPs attending, Councillor Noel Bayley, Mayor of Bury and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Karan Lee, added to the lively atmosphere as everyone enjoyed dancing to a Whitney Houston tribute act and DJ Macc's tunes. 

Carmen Gillon-Weerasinghe, manager of Learning Disability Day Service, gave a wonderful speech:

'This year, we celebrate under the inspiring theme of The Fabric of Freedom — a reminder that each of us is a vital thread in the rich, colourful tapestry of the LGBTQ+ community. Together, we weave a story of resilience, pride, and unity that grows stronger with every voice, every step, and every celebration.

At Persona, we are proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community, not just today, but every day, as we work together to build a world where everyone feels safe, valued, and free to be themselves.'

Hot dogs and corned beef hash were enjoyed by all, along with a raffle packed with exciting prizes.

The prizes were:

• a 2-night stay at our accessible holiday lodge, REACH Retreat.
• hampers: food, bath & wine, wine & chocolate or a fizz & chocolate hamper
• vouchers: Frydays chippy, Slatterys, Queen Ann's pub, LIT Beauty, The Entertainer, or a car service
• bouquet of flowers
• cake or cupcakes

We heard from Andrew, who was thrilled to have won not one, but two prizes from the raffle! He loved his hamper and wasted no time in spending his voucher, treating himself to a chippy that same weekend.

Staff told us 'best party since my birthday party' and 'the atmosphere and energy was fantastic, everyone seemed to have a great time and Carmen did a great job organising it'.

It was truly a celebration to remember and we already can't wait for next year's party.

Thank you to everyone who came and to all the people who worked so hard to make it happen!

A special thanks to DJ Macc, I_wanna_Whitney, Bella Blooms, Millie Williams, LIT Beauty, Power Motors Prestwich, Megan Goodwin, Joan Faulkner, Alison Hartley and Oli Smithson for their generous contributions as our sponsors.