Magic stuff! Gandalf has sent a video message sending his best wishes to everyone involved in York Pride.
Sir Ian McKellen, who played the wizard in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies, calls Pride “terribly important, not just to be yourself and enjoy yourself, but to do it in the company of others who are trying to do the same thing”.
Sir Ian is particularly impressed by the participation of all of York’s state secondary schools in the Pride parade, calling it “enterprising”.
Historic moment
It is not the first time that Sir Ian has engaged with York’s schools. In 2014, through his work with LGBT charity Stonewall, McKellen visited Fulford and York High Schools to discuss the importance of celebrating individuality and how students should stand up against prejudice.
York will make history on Saturday (June 10) as every single one of its state secondary schools takes part in the Pride parade from the Minster to Knavesmire.
This is thought to be the first time anywhere in the world that an LGBT Pride event has achieved the full inclusion of its local schools and it is appropriate that it should happen in the historic city of York.
York Pride 2017
Parade starts at York Minster
Sat Jun 10 @ 11.45am
The parade will begin at 11:45am from The Minster and culminate at The Knavesmire for an afternoon of live music, food, drink, and activities.
This year, S-Club Party will headline the main stage and there will be a full fairground for all ages to attend