SWINDON and Wiltshire Pride returns to brighten up the town with a carnival of colour on Saturday.

The centrepiece of the festival will see a parade with a 50-metre rainbow flag travel through Old Town from the Town Gardens at 11.15am, go through the High Street, Wood Street and Bath Road before circling back to the start.

Parade manager Phoenix Stewart said, "The parade is an important part of the day. For many people taking part, it will be their first time marching in the parade, marching with like-minded people who are proud of their sexuality and gender identity.

"For some, they will remember a time when they weren't able to march or were met with violence and arrests. Pride parades have come a long way but they are a way of recognising what has happened in the past, a celebration of identity and a place to be ourselves."

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Entertainment on three stages focusing on the theme 'Festival of Visibility' will wow the crowds. Businesses from around Swindon have been invited to join in the fun with their own colourful displays.

Phoenix added, “We're appealing to businesses to decorate your windows and buildings to show your support for the LGBTQ community of Wiltshire.

"Great displays always get a lot of coverage over the Pride weekend so submit your photos to us via any of our social media channels and we will post them in the run up to Pride."

To take part in the parade, which is sponsored by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, meet at 10:45am by the Springfield Road entrance of Town Gardens. Spectators can line the parade route, with Wood Street being the main area to watch the festivities.

For more information about the Nationwide-sponsored festival Visit swindonwiltshirepride.co.uk