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Opticians in Ripon support pride event with £500 donation

Thursday, 25 June 2026 21:53

Specsavers in Ripon.

Specsavers in Ripon supported last weekend's pride event.

The Black Swan Pride has been a key event for four years and has grown each year.

Due to Specsavers Ripon’s support, it expanded into a two-day experience.

This year, the locally owned and run store wants to recognise the significance of the occasion and show their solidarity with a £500 donation, which enabled the organisers to book a selection of amazing acts, including welcoming Finley Carter from Britain’s Got Talent.

Throughout the weekend, a variety of creative entertainments such as live music, face painters, and independent food stalls took centre stage, strengthening their place at the heart of the diverse community.

Sara Hirst, Landlady of the Black Swan, says:

'Kelly and I organised this weekend to help transform our city into a welcoming space where everyone feels accepted and free to be themselves without judgment.

"Hosting a Pride weekend is for anyone to express themselves and feel supported by a caring community is truly wonderful.

"We're grateful for the support from local businesses, especially the team at Specsavers Ripon, whose donation allowed us to extend the festivities this year.

"It’s positive to see our city united through love and acceptance, and we’re excited to see how our Pride celebration grows in the years ahead!’

Annette Duffy, retail director at Specsavers Ripon, adds:

"On behalf of our team, we're truly proud to have supported The Black Swan in expanding their Pride celebrations over the weekend.

"We always value the opportunity to give back to communities across the city, and we understand just how much this event means to residents, and how important inclusive spaces are for people to connect, support their community’s creatives, and express themselves, so to be part of helping spread positivity throughout Ripon has been fantastic."

For more details on the full range of eye health and hearing care services available at Specsavers Ripon, including OCT scans, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/ripon or call 01765 694 777

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