HAMPSHIRE Pride return today to the streets of Winchester to celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Now in its fourth year, the LGBT+ community and allies will join forces for a show of unity.

The pride parade will set off across the city at 2pm, and there will also be an indoor street festival and market stalls at Hampshire County Council’s Elizabeth II Court building at 3pm.

This will be followed by an evening party at 7.30pm at Winchester University Student Union.

Last year, hundreds of people turned out to promote diversity and inclusion, with colourful supporters cheering and blowing whistles as motorists tooted them on.

The city was brought to a near standstill as spectators applauded and filmed the army of youngsters and adults, the majority of whom held banners, signs and flags.

Hampshire Pride is organised by the Hampshire LGBT Alliance, including representatives from Hampshire County Council’s LGBT employee network and the University of Winchester’s LGBTI Spectrum Student, Staff and Allies Network.

All groups and individuals are welcome to join in and should meet at the assembly point at Winchester School of Art from 1pm ready for a 2pm departure.

Pride parade programme for Saturday, February 24

1pm - Assemble at Winchester School of Art 2pm - Parade travels through Winchester

3pm - Indoor Street Festival and market stalls, Hampshire County Council

7.30pm – Pride After Party, University of Winchester Student Union

Additional activities to celebrate LGBT History Month

University of Winchester events include:

An LGBT+ History exhibition held at the Winchester Discovery Centre.

Organised by the University of Winchester Modern History Research Centre, the event explores historical experiences and events of LGBT+ communities in modern history across different countries.

This exhibition is on display until 28 February.

Staff and students from the University are also involved in LGBT+ history talks, exhibitions and events throughout the month.

The University’s undergraduate open day for prospective students and their families on Saturday will also have a strong diversity theme.

Hampshire County Council events include:

Throughout February, Hampshire County Council’s Library Service is hosting various talks, film showings and shows to raise awareness and celebrate the history, lives and experiences of the LGBT community.

For a detailed list of what’s on, where and when, visit the Hampshire Library Service blog.