Thousands of people are expected to flock to the first ever People in the Park this weekend.

Organised by the team behind People's Pride Southampton, the event will take place in Palmerston Park on Saturday and Sunday.

With June being Pride month, People in the Park promises to be a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and promote inclusivity.

If you're planning to go along, here's all you need to know.

When does it start?

The event will kick off at 11am on Saturday with a pride march through the city which will leave from the main event gates.

It will proceed through the city centre, past the Bargate, and end up back at the park. 

Will there be music?

Yes, lots of it.

Three performance stages will be set up in the park. 

Live acts from across Hampshire and LGBTQ+ artists will be in attendance performing an array of genres.

What else will be there?

  • Food stalls selling anything from burgers to vegan recipes 
  • An on-site bar
  • A variety tent offering up speakers including Peter Tatchell and Sophie Cook, as well as poetry and workshops
  • A memory booth to grab free photos
  • A mental health drop-in for anyone wishing to discuss mental health issues with a professional
  • A community village with local community traders, charities and community groups
  • A bouncy castle for adults
  • A picnic area for families (no alcohol or glass allowed)
  • A surf simulator

Who is the event for?

Although it was organised to celebrate Pride month, the event is open to anyone.

There will be a kids' area staffed with DBS-checked volunteers and a teens' area for those aged 17 and under. 

When will it end?

On the first day, the event will finish at 8pm.

It will run again the next day from 11am to 5pm.

Is it free?

Yes, and there is no need to book.

For more information, visit the event's Facebook page.

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