THE countdown is on until the colourful Bourne Free Pride Festival comes to Bournemouth.

Thousands of people are expected to line the streets to watch the parade and a host of events and activities have been organised throughout the town.

The fun starts on Friday July 12 with a free family fun night to be held at The Triangle.

This year it is called the Ageas Family Night after the event secured sponsorship from insurance company Ageas.

It is being run for the first time in conjunction with the Dorset Children's Foundation following the announcement of a partnership between DCF and Bourne Free.

The evening includes a film screening - Inside Out at 5.15pm - music and various free stalls including candy floss and popcorn, face painters and a photo booth.

Local celebrities such as Cherry Bear from AFC Bournemouth and Dorsey from DCF will also be on hand and Fire FM will be running the disco.

Westbourne Rotary Club will also be at the venue handing out kids”n”viz jackets to help keep them safe on the roads at night.

Louise Clarke, Chair of Bourne Free said: "We are really pleased to work with a local Dorset charity, especially one that works to improve outcomes for poorly children. This is going to be great free event, and we would love to see local families popping in. Any proceeds from this evening are being donated to DCF."

Patsy Hallmey Co-Founder of The DCF said: "We are absolutely delighted to be included in such a wonderful fun and inclusive event which is what our charity is all about. We are thrilled to be part of it."

Bourne Free is Bournemouth's biggest LGBT festival and includes music and entertainment throughout the weekend.

The parade is due to take place on Saturday July 13 at 11am. It starts on the East Cliff and finishes at the Triangle.

There will be stalls and entertainment in the Lower Gardens and tickets are now available for the Triangle arena on Saturday July 13.

Top-notch performs lined up the event include Sharon Needles, Mutya Buena and Abz from 5IVE.

Tickets and more information is available from bournefree.co.uk