Liverpool city centre coffee shop Paper Cup Coffee, which was set up to support the city’s homeless people, will be celebrating Liverpool Pride with a number of activities. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool coffee shop Paper Cup Coffee (PCC) will celebrate Liverpool Pride later this month with a host of pre-pride activities.
Returning in full this summer following the disappointing cancellation of last year’s event, Liverpool Pride will take place on the weekend of July 24 and 25. Organisers say it will be one of the UK’s “standout” LGBTQ+ events this summer.
On the Saturday the much anticipated Pride March and from 9am until the start of the march at 11.30am, PCP will offer arts and crafts with resident artist Marcus G Cotton, with friendship bracelets and badges available to make and wear.
There is also a special guest barista on the day, in the form of this month’s Attitude cover star and Liverpool City Council Liberal Democrat leader, Carl Cashman. Carl will be on hand to serve up coffees and cake to customers coming in to celebrate Pride.
Paper Cup Coffee opened in Queen Square in the city centre in February 2022. It was the brainchild of Michelle Langan who, for several years, has run the Paper Cup Project, which offered food, clothing and support to rough sleepers.
Michelle saw the not-for-profit coffee shop as a natural extension of PCP’s work. As well as raising vital funds for the charity, it also offers a route to training and employment for homeless people in Liverpool.
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“We hope lots of people will pop in to enjoy some pre-pride fun, and support our homeless customers in the process,” said Michelle.
“Our shop is and always has been a welcoming space for everyone, and we are pleased that cover star and ally, Carl, is joining us to help on the day.
“Hopefully it will be a lot of fun. If you are marching on the day and you want to meet friends, come to meet here, and march together.”