Kings Heath’s most famous resident told a crowd of his amazement as the Pride event he launched as a “joke” was celebrated on the suburb’s streets. Joe Lycett – who made the launch of Queen’s Heath a key part of his recent stand-up tour show – told Sunday’s crowd he had “no idea how important it would become and how beautiful it would be”.
The comedian listed a string of stores and businesses in the area as he gave a short speech to the watching crowd. The event included free live music performances, face painting, drinks deals, special surprises and giveaways.
Businesses in Kings Heath also got involved and helped to provide welcoming, safe spaces throughout the day. Lycett said: “I’m not going to say much because I don’t want to make it all about me, even though this day is really all about me.
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“Thank you so much for coming to this brazen attempt to further gentrify the area, the first Queens Heath Pride was three years ago and started as a laugh, a silly experiment mainly because I thought it would be funny.
“I had no idea how important it would become and how beautiful it would be, Pride is more important than ever, there are those who feel there are too many letters in LGBTQ+, that it’s overcomplicated and hard to keep up with but I think that’s just a simple lack of curiosity in life’s diversity.
“There are so many ways to be, millions of species of animals and plants, thousands of cultures, ways of living and places to call home. And we call here Kings Heath, Queens Heath our home!” It’s a diverse place too, the high street offers something for pretty much everyone.
“We’ve got it all, and most importantly we’re not Moseley or god forbid, Harborne.” Events took place at locations included All Saints Village Square, to York Road, Kings Court, Poplar Road and along the High Street.
The businesses taking part included:
- Hare and Hounds, which hosted live music, DJs, cabaret performances and a very special surprise performance.
- The Juke, which was renamed The Duchess, collaborating to bring special food and drink options to attendees.
- Black Market Barber Company, which became The Abbatoir, opening from 2pm until late.
- Kings Court, which became Queens Court with a DJ playing from 1pm
- Author events at The Heath Bookshop
- Food and drink available from The Milkcake Man, Pause, Levain and Cherry and La Santé.
Other businesses taking part included Grace + James, Schooners, Poli, The Station, Smith’s Hair and Beauty, Morgan Chase Solicitors, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Fletchers and more!
Queens Heath has been running since 2021 as part of Birmingham Earlier this month, thousands travelled to the city to celebrate Birmingham Pride 2023 which included a parade as well as performances from the Sugababes, Mae Muller and Gabrielle.