West Ham United showcased a specially commissioned bus at the Pride in London Parade this past weekend as the Club joined with everyone across the capital to celebrate the LGBTQI+ community.
West Ham United supporters and staff, as well as the Club’s official LGBT Supporters Group Pride of Irons, were on the bus as it started its journey at Hyde Park Corner, making its way past many famous London landmarks before culminating at Whitehall Square. Over a million people attended the annual parade, which celebrates the LGBTQI+ community.
Also in attendance in the 2023 Pride Parade was West Ham United Mascots Hammerhead and Bubbles as the Club featured in its second open top bus parade of the summer, following the historic UEFA Europa Conference League trophy celebration through the streets of east London last month.
In addition to West Ham United, the Pride Parade featured over 30,000 participants from all sections of the community and over 400 community groups.
Pride of Irons Chair Jo Bailey said: “Being Co-Chair for a number of years for Pride of Irons, London Pride is an event that’s super important because it gives a chance for our members to celebrate our community and to continue to raise awareness, visibility is always key.
“Reaching out to the other groups within the independent supporters committee gives us a chance to build stronger relationships and help raise awareness with our allies.
“I always say we are Stronger Together, within our own communities and beyond. Together we really can make change. Yes, pride is a celebration, but we must never be complacent.”
West Ham Head of Supporter Services Jake Heath said: “The Club was delighted to work with Pride of Irons once again to ensure we had a very visible presence at the Pride in London Parade.
“We are proud that we have worked with Pride of Irons on this event since 2017, while this is the third time we have had a West Ham United bus feature as part of the Parade.
“Equality, diversity and inclusion sits at the heart of everything we do, so we are always delighted when we can come together with our supporters to make and meaningful impact in this space.”
