DIG out your headdresses and pink feather boas in preparation for one of summer’s biggest highlights with Swindon and Wiltshire Pride just around the corner.

On August 8 visitors to Swindon will be assaulted with elaborate outfits and plenty of colour as the parade circles the town in celebration of its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, with people of all sexualities encouraged to take part in the event.

Now in its eighth year, this year’s theme is ‘carnival’ and organisers expect a great showcase of performance with plenty of singing and dancing.

A spokesman from the Pride committee said: “Think headdresses, big outfits, feathers, sparkles and lots and lots of colour.

We have chosen this theme as it is about celebration, having fun and showing off your true colours.

“The LGBT community has come along away over the years and we need to celebrate that.

“Bring along your banners, balloons, signs and whistles, this is going to be Swindon & Wiltshire Pride’s biggest parade yet.”

Following the parade, which starts at the Town Gardens’ Springfield Road entrance at 10.45am, a packed agenda of activities and entertainments is scheduled for throughout the day.

English girl group Stooshe will headline the main stage with other acts including Swindon-grown A Way With Words, Sister Sister and DJ Burnout also featuring.

Acts including Charlie-Anne, Peggy Sue, Jamie R Hawkins and Phil Cooper will feature on the Stephen G Sloan stage.

There will also be a performance from the GW Dance Academy.

The spokesman said: “Swindon Pride was launched in 2008, with the first ever Pride festival being held in Swindon. In 2009, the Pride event was expanded to incorporate Swindon & Wiltshire Pride. This year will be our seventh event to be held in the Town Gardens. The atmosphere within the park is vibrant and the Bowl Stage provides the perfect setting for a wonderful event.

“We have lots in store for you in 2015, including fundraisers, a Ride for Pride and the Pride launch party just to mention a few.

“This will be the best and biggest Swindon & Wiltshire Pride ever.”

Traders still have a chance to sign up to be one of the dozens of stalls at the event.

The spokesman said: “2014 saw over 50 stalls at the event, the Town Gardens offers a delightful setting to showcase your service or sell your merchandise.

“The event has a fun, friendly and welcoming atmosphere with good circulation through the shopping and community zones due to the layout of the park.”

For more information or to find out how you can get involved, visit www.swindonwiltshirepride.co.uk.