EASTLEIGH Pride is set to return this year bringing the town alive with after parties and celebrations.

The town’s BID is pleased to announce that the event will return to the town for the second year in a row

Last year thousands of people flocked to Leigh Road Recreation Ground for a celebration of love and the LGBTQ+ community.

It is set to take place on Saturday, September 7 in the same location running from 11am to 5pm.

After the main event finishes, venues throughout Eastleigh Town Centre will stay open meaning revellers can continue to celebrate diversity after the main event finishes.

Marketing and events manager at Eastleigh BID, Emily Reason, said: “After the huge response and sheer amount of people who attended the event last year, we really feel that there is a huge desire to bring it back this year, and hopefully even bigger.

Last year several artists including Henry Newbury, the Solent Gay Men’s Chorus, the Oxfordshire Drag Collective and drag “Queen Misty Lee also performed with revellers saying the event “exceeded their expectations”

“There was a real sense of community in the atmosphere on the day of Eastleigh Pride 2018, the amount of love and acceptance was absolutely outstanding.

“We have begun working hard to make sure that we create the same family-friendly atmosphere this year but with more glitz and glam. Our aim is to help celebrate the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community and to educate all on the struggles that have been faced and those that are still faced today. We will be welcoming everyone celebrate the day and how far the community has come.”