THE south coast's LGBT community is getting ready to fill the heart of the city with colour and love.


More than 12,000 gay, lesbian and bisexual festival-goers and their friends will descend on Guildhall Square today for the fourth annual Southampton Pride, the south's fastest-growing festival of its kind.


S Club will headline the event this year joined by DJ Mikey and RuPaul's Drag Race star Charlie Hides. 
There will be a total of 34 stalls and stands for party-goers to browse including LGBT Christians, The Queer Alternative, Cister, and Together for Mental Wellbeing. 

A spokesperson from Southampton Pride said: "We believe that our event is so important for the city to celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion, in a world where there is still so much discrimination and hate.
"On Pride day, everyone in Southampton can celebrate together and just be happy being who they are without fear of judgment.
"Everyone is welcome to our free event and we look forward to seeing you all next Saturday. 
"There is something for everyone so bring you children, your grandparents and your dogs."
Here's everything you need to know if you're joining in the fun next weekend. 

When is Southampton Pride 2019 and how much are tickets

Daily Echo:

Taking it's usual place on Southampton's calender, the festival will return to the city on August 24 over the bank holiday weekend.
The festival is a one day 12-hour event starting at 11am to 11pm. 
The event is free and open to everyone, including man's best friend, who will be allowed in the festival area as long as they are on a lead. 

When is the Southampton Pride Parade, what time does it start and where to watch it 

Daily Echo:

This year, the Southampton Pride Parade will be taking a new route through the city.
The parade will kick off at 2pm, with participants arriving to set up for 1.30pm at Watts Park on Commercial Road.
The parade will start at the top end of Above Bar Street by the Pride main entrance at Guildhall Square and travel across Palmerston Park, Houndwell Park, down to Debenhams and along East Street.
It will continue up to the Bargate monument, up Above Bar Street and finally into Guildhall Square.
Anyone who is looking to take part in the parade is asked to go to the meeting area for 1.30pm. 
Party-goers who are watching the parade will be able to view the parade anywhere on the route.

Where is Southampton Pride 2019 and how do I get there 

Daily Echo:

Southampton Pride 2019 will be taking over Guildhall Square, in the centre of the city. 
The area is fed by a number of bus routes which take passengers to Southampton City Art Gallery or Above Bar Street - both stops being a two minute walk for the event entrance. 
A 15 minute walk from the event is Southampton Central Station and to find the party just follow signs for Guildhall. 
There will also be taxis available at the station for those who may have mobility issues or trouble walking. 
The postcode for sat nav apps is SO14 7LP.

Southampton Pride 2019 line-up 

Daily Echo:

On the main stage:

11am 

DJ DARCY 
P&O Cruise Headliners Theatre Company 

12.30pm 

Aura Jay
Mileena Wynter
Henry Newbury 

2pm

DJ Neil Sackley
Cherry Liquor

3.30pm 

Sam Callahan 
Joe Black
Our Propaganda
The Dudettes
The Neptune Girls 

4.45pm

Lady Gaga Tribute
Hunting Hearts

6pm

Timeless
Felix Shepherd
Miss Disney
Harry Fisher
Lucinda Lashes 

8pm

Charlie Hides from RuPaul's Drag Race

8.30pm 

S Club 
DJ Mikey 

What else is happening that weekend 

The Edge Nightclub will be hosting the Pride Afterparty. 
The club will be open from 6pm to 6am for 12 hours of celebration. 
The club has five bars and an extended garden area, and five DJs will be playing across the venue.