Friday June 19th 2026
Penicuik Pride 2026. Food Facts Friends CEO and organiser Mark Wells next to Cherry West on the left
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Food Facts Friends marked a ‘proud milestone’ recently, hosting Penicuik Pride for the fourth year running, bringing celebration, inclusion and visibility to the heart of this local community.
The event, held at the Cuikoo Bar and Restaurant, was designed to ‘bring something special to a smaller town’, aiming to ‘ create a safe, welcoming space where everyone belongs, regardless of background or identity’.
Food Facts Friends CEO and event organiser, Mark Wells explained: “It was also a wonderful opportunity for local businesses to take part, support the community, and be visible alongside the charity.”
A major highlight was a performance from Cherry West, widely recognised as Scotland’s youngest drag artist, who brought energy, talent and local pride to the stage as a Midlothian resident.
Cherry West performing at the Penicuik Pride event
Cherry West said:
“I absolutely love coming to the community of Penicuik — I always feel so welcomed here. I just want to thank everyone for making me feel so at home and so welcome in Penicuik.”
While the turnout was positive and the atmosphere warm and joyful, numbers were slightly lower than hoped Mark explained, putting it down to something organisers put down to a busy weekend clashing with Scotland football fixtures and two major concerts in the wider area.
He added: “For us, Pride is about more than a party — it’s about breaking down barriers that still exist here in Penicuik. We know there is still work to do, but seeing people come together, celebrate love and enjoy themselves in one room was powerful. We’re building something that lasts, and every year we learn and grow.”
The event was run entirely by volunteers and funded through fundraising and local support, reinforcing the charity’s ethos of community‑led change.
Plans are already beginning for next year, with a focus on building even stronger partnerships, raising awareness earlier, and continuing to make Penicuik Pride the biggest and most inclusive gathering in Midlothian.
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