September 2025 Roundup
- LonGBoaT Wakefield
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
This month we’ve been digging in, recovering from the high energy of August from Pride, and quietly building up momentum behind the scenes. We’re also keeping our ongoing horticultural sessions front of mind; your chance to get involved with gardening and arts at the station continues.
Kicked off on 1 September: LonGBoaT were guests at a youth-focused Pride event hosted by Free To Be Me. The day featured everything from circus skills to Lego building, a clothes swap, local queer history displays and a drag performance. Our stall featured info about our parents groups, volunteering and merchandise (hello “Barry the Bucket”). This event helped set tone for the month: inclusive, youth-centred, and extending Pride beyond the main festival day.
Launched on 11 September: Our Community Gallery at Wakefield Kirkgate Station is hosting a new model display by the Wakefield Railway Modelling Society that explores the industrial heritage of the “Tom Puddings” coal-boat system at Stanley Ferry. I
t’s about local history, innovation and community space. This story shows our work isn’t only about events: we’re creating ongoing cultural spaces that welcome the LGBT+ community and wider Wakefield communities alike.
After our feedback session on Pride 2025, we’re already planning ahead. Organisations and businesses were invited to join our first planning meeting for the next event. This anchors our message: Pride is more than one day. We’re building long-term, inclusive, community-led celebrations.
Behind the Scenes
August’s Pride left us buzzing and we’ve been taking that energy and turning it into steady building work this month. We’ve been catching up on admin, reviewing feedback, liaising with partners, and quietly preparing the next big steps (including Wakefield Community Pride 2026). We’re also promoting our regular horticultural sessions in partnership with Groundwork Yorkshire - the gardening & arts programme at the station is still up and running, so if you haven’t joined yet, there’s still time.
What This Means For You
Because we’re both celebrating and building right now:
You’ll see more than one-off events, we’re making spaces and relationships that last.
If you’re part of an organisation, now’s a great moment to get involved in planning Pride 2026.
If you’ve been to our horticulture sessions before (or not yet), keep it in your diary. These are accessible, ongoing and welcoming.
For the wider LGBT+ community and allies: we’re committed to inclusive work across youth, arts, culture, heritage and wellbeing. The stories above show that.
September is our transition month: from the high of Pride to the quiet, determined work.
We’re grateful for everyone who took part, volunteered, shared ideas or just turned up. And we’re excited about what’s next.
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