Phil Webb Brings Pride Celebration to Wimborne Minster After Personal Journey
‘I was outed when I became mayor three decades ago — now I’m bringing Pride to my town’

Image: The Independent
Phil Webb, who was outed as gay during his tenure as mayor of Wimborne Minster over 30 years ago, is now organizing a Pride celebration in the town. With community support, the event aims to promote LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance in the Dorset town, which has a population of 11,411.
- 01Phil Webb, 67, was outed as gay while serving as mayor in 1994, sparking national media attention.
- 02Wimborne Minster, designated as Dorset's 2026 Town of Culture, will host its first Pride celebration this summer.
- 03Webb received £650 to initiate the Pride movement and plans a local event on the town green.
- 04Controversy arose during planning when local church members questioned the inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes in community events.
- 05Webb emphasizes the need for Pride to combat ongoing discrimination, particularly against the younger LGBTQ+ community.
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Phil Webb, who was outed as gay during his time as mayor of Wimborne Minster in 1994, is spearheading the town's inaugural Pride celebration this summer. At 67, Webb reflects on the challenges he faced when his sexuality was publicly revealed, an event that garnered national media attention and highlighted the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community at the time. With a population of only 11,411, Wimborne Minster is set to embrace its first Pride event as part of its recognition as Dorset's 2026 Town of Culture. Webb has secured £650 to kickstart the movement, envisioning a local gathering rather than a large march initially. The planning process has not been without controversy, as some local church members expressed opposition to LGBTQ+ representation in community activities. However, Webb believes that Pride is essential for fostering acceptance and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly for younger individuals facing discrimination. He hopes the celebration will unite the community and promote a message of tolerance and inclusivity.
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The Pride celebration is expected to foster greater acceptance and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community in Wimborne Minster.
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