THE Victoria pub will play host to a special guest speaker on Tuesday evening ahead of a film screening to kick off the build up to Swindon PRIDE this weekend.

Mike Johnson will give a talk at the Old Town venue before joining guests to watch PRIDE, a film about an unlikely alliance between gays and lesbians from London who leant their support to striking welsh coal miners in 1984.

Realising that they shared common foes in Margaret Thatcher, the police and the conservative press, the men and women from London were thrust into union with each other.

Mike was one of the founding members of the organisation Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners and in the film he is portrayed by the actor Joe Gilgun.

“This is a story of solidarity between two most unlikely groups with common enemies,” said Kate Linnegar of the Swindon People’s Assembly who are organising the event.

“That’s what the People’s Assembly is all about, people working together towards common goals.

“Come along and enjoy the film, meet Mike and members of Swindon People’s Assembly.

“It’s a free event but seats are limited so you can register a seat on our Facebook event or email SPA.”

Empire described it as 'a clear winner that makes you laugh, cry, and generally want to party and parade like it’s 1984. Respect.'

Doors will open for the event at 6.30pm.

The film screening comes just four days ahead of Swindon and Wiltshire PRIDE 2016 which will take place at Old Town Gardens on Saturday.

The parade will get underway at 10.45am with the main programme events running from midday until late into the evening.