Stand Proud 3 Draws Hundreds to Celebration of Inclusion and Community Spirit

Organisers have hailed Stand Proud 3 as a tremendous success after hundreds of people gathered at The White Hart in Horsebridge on Saturday [27 June].

Despite a mixture of sunshine and passing rain showers – which even produced a rainbow overhead at one point – hundreds of people came together for a memorable day-long celebration of diversity, inclusion and community spirit.

The popular event, which ran from midday through to midnight, delivered a vibrant festival atmosphere, featuring a packed programme of live entertainment, family activities and community engagement.

Visitors enjoyed performances from acoustic duo The Management, cover band School’s Out, rock, indie and pop favourites Nightflame, and rhythm and blues group Moss Casa. The line-up also included drag performer and headline act Fonda Cox, children’s entertainment provided by Mike Elvin and the Sweet Circus Experience, Name That Tune with DJ Neil Povey, Rainbow Bingo hosted by Sam and the Pink Povey Club, which rounded off the celebrations in style.

Stand Proud has continued to grow year on year and has become an established fixture in the local events calendar, attracting people from across Hailsham and beyond.

The event was made possible through the generous support of local sponsors, including Hailsham Town Council, which contributed £1,750 towards the overall £4,000 cost of staging the event. Additional support was provided by The White Hart, Cameos Door Security, Harvey’s Brewery and Steven & Carter.

Event co-organiser and Deputy Town Mayor, Cllr Colin Mitchell, said: “What stood out most this year was the incredible sense of togetherness throughout the day. Stand Proud is about creating a welcoming space where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be themselves.”

“Seeing so many people of different ages and backgrounds coming together to celebrate diversity and enjoy the entertainment was genuinely heartening. The event continues to grow because it reflects the values of our community, and we’re immensely proud of what has been achieved.”

Co-organiser Cllr Mary Laxton added: “The response to this year’s event exceeded our expectations. From the moment the gates opened, there was a fantastic atmosphere and a real sense of positivity. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, performed or supported the event.”

“The children thoroughly enjoyed the various activities we provided for over three hours and there were so many happy face. The festival vibes continued throughout the day and evening with a constant flow of people.”

“Stand Proud is a true community effort and it was wonderful to see families, friends and visitors enjoying everything the day had to offer. The support we receive each year demonstrates just how important events like this are in bringing people together.”

“I was particularly pleased to welcome a range of groups who support LGBTQ individuals and together we celebrated diversity. Love who you are is a powerful force and our strength in the wider community. Huge thanks for the support, compliments and friendship. It’s truly is a special event. See you in 2027!”

Organisers have also thanked the event’s sponsors, volunteers and performers for helping to make the day such a memorable success.

With attendance continuing to increase and community support stronger than ever, plans are already being discussed for the future development of Stand Proud as one of the area’s leading celebrations of inclusivity, equality and community pride.