Today members of the Lesbians and Gay Men Support Miners (LGSM) group gathered in Hyde Park to mark 30 years since joining in solidarity with striking miners.
The 1985 Pride March, which started in Hyde Park, was like no other. Having formed an unlikely alliance, which was boosted during the 'pits and perverts' fundraising concert in 1984, lesbian & gay activists came together with the Welsh mining communities to create a 15,000 strong march through the streets of London.
Back in '85 the LGSM paraded through Hyde Park hailing banners which read 'Lesbians & Gays Support the Miners'. Today, members of the same group returned to the spot to recreate their now famous image and reflect on what was achieved all those years ago.
Mike Jackson from LGSM said: "The support LGSM gave to striking miners in 1984/5 was repaid a thousand fold when the miners joined us for the 1985 Pride march and then went on to support the call for greater lesbian & gay equality at 1985 Trades Union Congress & the 1985 Labour Party Conference."
This summer, almost to the day, Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park (June 18-28) will be marking this special anniversary with a free outdoor screening of Matthew Warchus' critically acclaimed film 'Pride' as part of their Free Film Festival in association with SNOG frozen yoghurt.
Relive every inspiring moment on the very turf which saw two groups, who were demonised by the state, come together in utility and ultimately spur an equalities revolution.
BST Hyde Park's 'Pride' day on Friday June 19 will begin with a trip down the 'yellow brick road' with a 6.00pm screening of 'The Wizard of Oz', followed by 'Pride' at 8.30pm. Food and drink will be available to purchase from a number of artisan stalls and the Sourced Farmers' Market.
And it doesn't end there...to further mark the 30th anniversary and to warm up for this year's 'Pride March' on June 27. Kylie Minogue, Grace Jones, Chic featuring Nile Rodgers and Pride in London will be throwing London's biggest party on Sunday June 21 - all part of BST Hyde Park.
Tickets for the Kylie Minogue concert with Grace Jones, Chic featuring Nile Rodgers and Pride in London are available now from the BST Hyde Park website.
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