THE most colourful, inclusive party in town is set to return to Swindon once again this year with a date announced for this year’s Swindon and Wiltshire Pride.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender festival will be staged in Old Town on Saturday, August 20, and organisers are keen to see this year’s event go above and beyond previous year’s efforts.

Chairman of Swindon and Wiltshire Pride Jo Sharpe said: “Swindon and Wiltshire Pride is the one of the biggest, best, growing community events in Wiltshire and attracts attendees from the whole county. As well as having a great reputation of being a family friendly and inclusive event.

“Building on our year on year success we are aiming to expand the number of stalls that attend our great event to create an even more diverse and colourful community and shopping zone.”

The event was first staged in Swindon in 2008, marking the first pride event of its kind in the town. The following year it was extended to cover Wiltshire as well. Since then it has grown in popularity to fill the Town Gardens with an explosion of colour and party atmosphere, centred around the Bowl Stage.

Last year's event saw girl group Stooshe - of chart-topping Black Heart fame - headline the event, with performances also packed in from Swindon assertive rock band A Way With Words and Sister Sister.

Sam Wearing, Tyler Harvey, Nathanael Parker and Derek Darker were also among some of the acts to storm the stage.

Jo added that the organisers were offering an early bird discount to any traders who wanted to hold a stall at this year’s event, who should get in touch before Sunday, May 1.

The announcement comes after organisers put on a Winter Wonderland Christmas party in December at the Mailcoach Garden and Function Room to help raise funds towards the event.

The party saw appearances from System D, Mrs Bridy and the Boy Jase and DJ Burnout.

To book your stall or for any booking enquiries please contact the stall manager on stalls.swpride@gmail.com or contact Jo on swinwiltspride@live.co.uk.