The group behind Kendal Pride formed through previous First Fridays held at About Time espresso bar.

Kendal Pride Chair, Sal Lofthouse-Jones said: “We haven’t got any funding in particular we were just like ‘let’s make it happen as a team’ and keep it low cost, about the community and providing something for Kendal to make those meaningful connections.

“Not every first Friday needs to be a massive party and doesn’t have to involve drinking, we want to include as many people as possible.”

The socials will include an activity exploring different skills and disciplines before an opportunity to socialise afterwards at 98 Highgate.

Around 45 people turned out for the first social this month where participants took part in a move in nature workshop at the Appleby Road Community Garden and then took to 98 Highgate for a couple of pints.

October’s activity will be at Kendal Climbing Wall and November’s will be speed sketching at Castle Street community centre.

Both activities start at 6pm with the 98 Highgate social starting at 8pm.

Later in November will also be ‘The Big Pride Christmas Party’ on the 28th.

Sal also spoke of the importance of these events in smaller rural communities.

“I know the big cities have larger communities and more presence and visibility there but I think it’s so much more important to have it in rural smaller towns where there is still stigma, there is still old fashioned views and not everyone is feeling accepted or able to live as themselves or be themselves.”

“I think we have to work even harder to connect communities here so people aren’t in isolation and that people feel confident to be themselves to know that there are other people like them around.

“It is really important that we make space and make time like these First Fridays to show Kendal Pride is not just about a weekend, it’s feeling supported and knowing you can stay here and thrive and be yourself.”