PRIDE organisers turned an Old Town pub car park all the colours of the rainbow.

The Saturday event aimed to raise hundreds of pounds for Swindon and Wiltshire Pride, the annual celebration of the town’s LGBT community.

This year’s popular parade was cancelled, with organisers citing a lack of funds and volunteers. But a special fundraising event held at the Regent Hotel, Victoria Road, sought to restore Pride’s fortunes.

Hundreds attended the event, which stretched late into the evening and featured music, dancing, food stalls and the chance to win a massive hamper of booze.

Christian Wheeler, one of the organisers, said: “We had a few showers, but it was great. Really well supported. It will go a long way to covering our costs for Swindon and Wiltshire Pride next year.”Fellow organiser, Jo Sharpe, said of Pride: “It’s about bringing the community together. It helps to have that sense of community if someone is thinking about their sexuality.”

Wearing an enormous wig and manning the tombola, Lucy added: “It’s a shame Swindon had to cancel it this year, but we know we’re going to come back bigger and better.”

Aimy Roulier said of Pride: “For me, it just means being happy within yourself accepting.” Alison Kinnear added: "It gets everyone together."

For more: www.swindonwiltshirepride.co.uk.