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'A homophobic attack brought our town together'

Rachel Russell
BBC News, Yorkshire
Isobel Heely Hilary Bowyer (R) wearing a green dress and with her arm around Bongo Dave (L), who is wearing a patterned t-shirt at the event. They are stood next to musical instruments and people are stood looking at them behind them. Isobel Heely
Hilary Bowyer (R) wanted to set up the event in the town in response to an attack on a man outside a pub in April. Pictured with Bongo Dave (L), who played music during the event.

A town has held its first Pride event in response to a homophobic attack on a man as he was leaving a pub.

Holmfirth Pride 2025 took place on Saturday and Sunday after being organised by residents Hilary Bowyer and Isobel Heely.

The festival included activities such as a rainbow scavenger hunt, drag bingo, and an exhibition of queer art featuring local artists.

Business owner Ms Heely, said the event was organised after a man in his 20s was attacked by five men outside The Old Bridge on Norridge Bottom on 12 April.

Isobel Heely Someone has written the word "love" in different coloured chalk pieces and drawn several love hearts around it on a pavement. Isobel Heely
One of the activities involved people getting the chance to write positive messages around the town in chalk

She said: "As a close-knit community, we were all horrified when we heard about the incident and did not want anybody to feel like we were not ive.

"We did not want people to think that this is the sort of thing that happens here and we wanted to show it does not represent us as a community.

"All of the 65 businesses in the town have got bunting up and people are leaving their mark in the streets with chalk to show that there is acceptance and we are welcoming to all."

Ms Heely added the positive response to the event had "had me in tears" as it had shown how the "community has really rallied together".

Isobel Heely Maya Punion (L) and Captain Smash (R) posing for the camera and looking happy during the event. Maya has curly blonde hair and a nose ring, while Captain Smash has a captain's hat on.Isobel Heely
Other local musical acts performed at the event, including Maya Punion (L) and Captain Smash (R)
Isobel Heely Isobel Heely wearing a yellow top with short brown hair, smiling and holding a dog in front of her faceIsobel Heely
Isobel Heely making friends with a dog called Stanley during the event

She said: "It has been heartwarming to see such a positive response to something negative.

"We've had six weeks to pull the project together to make sure it was ready for Pride month and were lucky to get funding from the parish council and Kirklees Council.

"The response has been so great that we're planning to hold the event again next year.

"We just want to send a message that everybody belongs and we will not tolerate hate."

The attack left the victim with facial injuries after being punched and kicked by the group, who had also made offensive slurs to the victim and his partner, and was investigated as a hate crime by West Yorkshire Police.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.

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