Swindon and Wiltshire Pride has announced the return of its annual event to Swindon - and this time it's bigger than ever.

Compared to previous years, last year's Pride was a smaller affair at Queen's Park after the committee found themselves short-staffed, but thousands still attended and it was heralded as a success.

This year, on the event's 15th anniversary, it is returning to Queen's Park on Saturday, August 12, for what organisers are promising to be 'even bigger and better than last year's popular Pride Picnic'.

Lee Hare, Sponsorship Manager confirmed that huge Swindon firm Nationwide is once again returning as the main sponsor.

He said: “We have developed an amazing relationship with Nationwide Building Society over the past 15 years and are so grateful for their continued support.

"It’s so exciting to welcome them onboard again as an organisation that shares our values and is proud to be different. We hope our relationship will continue to grow for many more years to come."

Phoenix Stewart, community engagement officer added: “We are excited to be returning to Queen's Park on the back of last year's successful event where over 3000 people attended throughout the day.

"We have lots of exciting plans ready for this summer and it is partnerships with Nationwide and our other sponsors that allow us to create these events that are really important for the whole community.”

To mark the occasion Swindon & Wiltshire Pride will be hosting a week of Pride activities leading up to the main event.

Also returning is the Pride march through Swindon town centre, starting outside H&M and moving through town, towards Regent Circus.

This will lead to the main event within Queen's Park at 12pm.

Lou Flaviani, people director and co-sponsor of Nationwide Building Society’s Proud Network said: “As co-sponsor of Nationwide’s LGBTQ+ Network I’m delighted to continue our support of Swindon & Wiltshire Pride, as this year’s headline sponsors. Swindon is our home, and we are proud to be a part of this important event.”

The official after-party venue this year is Boom Battle Bar which is located at Regent Circus.

The event is still looking for volunteers to help out on the day, to help email volunteer@swindonwiltshirepride.co.uk.

To help manage capacity organisers are asking all attending to get their free tickets for the march, picnic and after-party from www.swindonwiltshirepride.co.uk