HAMPSHIRE Pride returns to Winchester this weekend 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 on Saturday, February 24.

Local shops including M&S and Boots have shown their support by putting up rainbow flags in their windows.

The parade sets off 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.