Press Releases
13 May 2026
CREATIVE SUPPORT HELPS CHAMPION INCLUSION AT STOCKPORT PRIDE 2026
Stockport Pride is delighted to announce that national care and support provider Creative Support will be sponsoring this year’s celebration, as the festival prepares to return to Stockport town centre on the last weekend of July.
Creative Support is recognised as one of the largest national not-for-profit providers of prevention and care services in the country, working in 70 local authorities, employing over 5,000 staff and supporting over 6,000 people with support and care needs. Creative Support’s Head Office has been based in Stockport since 2017. This year the organisation is celebrating its 35th anniversary.
Creative Support’s CEO, Anna Lunts, said: “We are delighted that Creative Support is this year’s headline sponsor of Stockport Pride. Stockport Pride is a wonderful, inclusive event and every year we look forward to celebrating diversity with the people we support, our staff and the wider Stockport community.”
Company Secretary, Head of Internal Audit and one of the coordinators of Creative Support’s LGBTQ+ Network, Hazel Beddows, said: “As Stonewall Diversity Champions and proud advocates, we are so looking forward to joining in once again with Stockport Pride. We can’t wait to meet people at the stall and take part in the parade around Stockport town centre, please come and say hello!”
Taking place on Sunday 26th July from 11am to 7pm at Stockport’s Historic Market Place, Stockport Pride 2026 will once again bring the community together to celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion – with a particular focus on supporting and uplifting the local LGBTQ+ community.
The highlight of the morning will be a colourful parade through the town centre, setting off from the Underbanks at noon and making its way to the Market Place, where a full programme of activities will be taking place. Visitors can expect a vibrant mix of entertainment, alongside stalls from charities, community groups and food and drink providers.
At the heart of the event will be the Martyn Hett Stage, which will host performances throughout the day. There will also be a Quiet Space available for anyone needing a break from the crowds and noise, as well as a Family Space offering a welcoming environment for those celebrating Pride with young children.
Visitors to Stockport Pride 2026 will be able to meet the team from Creative Support on the day, with the organisation hosting a stall in the Market Place. They will be on hand to share information about their work and the support they provide locally, as well as engaging with members of the community throughout the event.
A spokesperson for the Stockport Pride organising team said “We’re really pleased to have Creative Support on board as a partner again this year. Their work supporting people across our communities reflects the values at the heart of Pride. With the support of organisations like Creative Support, we’re able to continue creating a welcoming and inclusive event for everyone in Stockport.”
Stockport Pride 2026 is free to attend and open to all. Further details about the event, including the full programme, will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information about the upcoming festival visit www.stockportpride.co.uk
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About Creative Support
Creative Support Limited is a Community Benefit Society with charitable status, providing a range of person-centred services for people with mental health needs, learning disabilities and other support needs. Founded in 1990, the organisation has gained an excellent reputation for its dynamic approach, strong values, and commitment to quality. Creative Support is recognised as one of the largest national not-for-profit providers of prevention and care services in the country working in 70 local authorities, employing over 5,000 staff and supporting over 6,000 people with support and care needs. Our mission is to promote the independence, inclusion and wellbeing of people with support needs. We do this by working with the people we support, their families and partner agencies to develop and deliver high quality services that meet individual needs and aspirations in a person-centred way.
For further information, please visit: www.creativesupport.co.uk
About Stockport Pride:
Stockport Pride is an organisation dedicated to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in Stockport borough. Through its annual festival and ongoing initiatives, Stockport Pride creates an inclusive environment that fosters acceptance and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community’s contributions.
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