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

Thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans festival-goers and their friends will flock to Guildhall Square on Saturday for the fifth Southampton Pride event, the south's fastest-growing festival of its kind.

The event takes place today, August 28 at 11am and will feature a number of stalls and live music acts.

The event was cancelled last year due to coronavirus, but this year organisers are back with a bang.

Here's everything you need to know about Southampton Pride 2021.

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Travel

Daily Echo:

Guildhall Square is located in Southampton City Centre, close to West Quay Shopping Centre and on the site of Southampton City Council.

Guildhall Square is a short 10 minute walk from Southampton Central Station.

The direct walking route from Central is up a steep hill though - so be warned. Should this be a hindrance to your travel, it's worth speaking to the station staff who can advise of a secondary and more accessible route.

There are no car parks on the site due to the city location, and the Civic Centre car park will be closed.

If travelling by bus, all major bus routes which enter the city centre will be able to provide easy access to the event.

However please be aware that Above Bar Street will be closed to vehicular access all day.

Opening times

Daily Echo:

Gates open at 11am. In previous years there have been large queues at the main gate from 10.30am. Bags will be searched upon entry. Re-entry is permitted all day, but you will have to join any queues at the gates and bags will need to be searched again.

How much are tickets?

Daily Echo:

Southampton Pride is a free event with no tickets required for any part of the day.

Pride Parade

Daily Echo:

The Pride Parade is deemed the highlight of the event as it makes it way through the city centre through the city’s historic Bargate before heading back to the event site.

There will be three giant flags as part of the march, which form a visually stunning part of our event.

Can I bring alcohol? Is my dog welcome? 

Daily Echo:

Under no circumstances will personal alcohol be allowed into the site. Dogs are welcome provided they are kept on a lead at all times.

Who is there to help? 

Daily Echo:

More than 100 volunteers will be available throughout the day should you need any help or support. Volunteers will be wearing pink high-vis vests or you can speak to a member of security.

Who is performing?

Acts range from Aura Jay and Neptune Girls to Sam Callahan and Jade Kylie Chamberlain tribute act.

Britain's Got Talent Eva Iglesias will also perform along with Lucinda Lashes.

Joe Black from RuPaul's Drag Race will also perform on the main stage, as will DJ Claire Fuller & Kelly Anne O'Brien - a Dolly Parton Tribute.

Lots of other local bands and DJs and performers will also take to the stage during the event.