The new Mayor of York and North Yorkshire has had many official engagements since being elected – but this is probably one that stands out!
David Skaith joined drag queen Ginger Slice for a boogie to one of the Spice Girls’ biggest hits, Who Do You Think You Are?
It was at the launch of York Pride 2024 at the Forage bar on Little Stonegate last night (Wednesday).
David wasn’t the only politician to hit the dance floor. City of York Council leader Claire Douglas also joined Ginger for the fabulous finale of the routine.
The evening was a celebration of the extraordinary success of York Pride, which has grown out of all recognition since it began 12 years ago.
The latest Pride parade and event is set to attract 15,000 people to Knavesmire at the event on Saturday (1 June).
At the launch event, York Pride chair Greg Stephenson said: “York Pride has grown so much in the last 12 years.”
He thanked the “people in this room who have sponsored us when it wasn’t quite so cool to sponsor a private event.
“Twelve years ago, when we would knock on doors, they would stay quite firmly shut.
“The room today shows that things have things have really changed in York, and that’s fantastic.”
Mayor David Skaith told the gathering: “I absolutely love Pride. It’s one of my favourite events of the year.
“The fact that it’s grown so much from where it was 12 years ago to where it is now it is an astounding effort. And that comes down to all the volunteers, the people who work around it.
“It’s amazing. Let’s continue to grow it. If we can do anything in the Combined Authority going forward, we would love to support it.
“It’s such a great event because we need some positivity, we need some joy, we need some happiness.”
Council leader Claire Douglas also spoke about how York Pride had expanded to something extraordinary: “It actually is the largest outdoor event in York. And we’re expecting about 15,000 people to be at the event on Saturday – and I simply can’t wait.
“We stand in solidarity and we always have done and we always will.”