IT is a celebration that aims to bring together the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual community in Hampshire.

Now Hampshire County Council and the University of Winchester are joining forces to celebrate diversity and inclusion at the third annual Hampshire Pride in Winchester.

The event will be held later this month on February 25.

Organised by Hampshire County Council’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) employee network and the University of Winchester’s LGBT Spectrum Student, Staff and Allies Network, Hampshire Pride brings together people from across the county to highlight the contribution of the LGBT community through a number of events, including a symposium and the Pride Parade in Winchester.

Around 300 members and supporters of the LGBT community took part in last year’s Pride Parade, in a show of unity to promote the Hampshire Pride mission and values of community, inclusivity and solidarity.

Hundreds of people are again expected to parade from the University of Winchester at 2pm, through the streets of Winchester, to Hampshire County Council’s Elizabeth II Court building.

From 3pm, the venue will play host to a variety of stalls by local businesses, charities and community groups, as well as a café and canteen – together with street performances.

Throughout Pride week, the Rainbow Flag will fly outside Winchester’s Great Hall - and at the County Council’s headquarters building, on the day of the Pride Parade.

Senior Diversity Champion at Winchester University, Prof Elizabeth Stuart said: “Hampshire Pride embodies inclusion and diversity, both of which are values at the heart of the University. We are proud to support this year’s Pride Parade, and to celebrate History Month.”