TODAY’S the day thousands of LGBT revellers will make their way to Guildhall Square for Southampton Pride.

But one unusual vehicle will be making its debut this afternoon.

A rainbow hearse will be driven round the parade route.

Originally a Ford Cardinal, the Co-op hearse has been transformed with the full colours of the Pride flag.

First unveiled at last year’s Brighton Pride, the hearse has since then been requested on average twice a month by families across the UK to personalise the funeral of their loved one.

Andrew Cutmore, Co-op Funeralcare’s regional manager said: “Personalisation within funerals is something that we’re seeing often. Families want to reflect the personalities and interests that their loved one had while they were alive. If a family’s request is possible to do, such as this one, our funeral directors and arrangers will do what they can to make it happen.”

Co-op says the rainbow hearse forms part of a “broader commitment to equality and diversity at the company, not only within local communities but also via Respect; Co-op’s inclusive lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender network.”

Bringing up the rear will be a massive 75-metre flag hired from another UK pride event.

Organiser Julianne Watling-McCarthy said: “It’s all gone great so far. We are really looking forward to it. But we are keeping our fingers crossed for the sunshine.

“We have had a lot more engagement from businesses involved in the parade. The Pride volunteers will go first, then our main sponsors Cunard and P&O. Then businesses that have all paid to be in the parade, then members of the public.”

There will be stalls and stands with merchandise and information inside the Guildhall – as well as a full day of acoustic entertainment.

Acts on the main stage kick off at 11am with DJ Darcy Buckland first up. Southampton Gay Men’s Chorus are on the Guildhall stage from 11.30.

The parade starts at 2pm from Guildhall Square and will go down Above Bar, to the Bargate, and back towards West Marlands Road.

Events and activities including a children’s area in the Civic Centre car park, with a mobile zoo, play bus and lots of children’s rides and attractions.

There will also be a Pride Pooch Area for fun agility, a doggie photo booth and a competition.