BOURNE FREE’s pride festival is the town’s annual celebratory event of diversity and promises to be “bigger and better” than ever this year.

Taking place Friday, August 20, and Saturday August 21, the chairman of Bourne Free, Neal Errington, is excited ahead of this year's event -- having been postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Speaking with the Echo, Mr. Errington said: “Watch this space Bourne Free is getting bigger and better, I’m really excited about this year.

“There’s lots of excitement especially on social media about the line-up with Veronica Green from Ru Paul’s drag race being recently added.

“So many people have been reaching out saying thank you because it's a celebration of diversity and some people really need it to be themselves.”

Special guest Jill Nalder, the real inspiration behind the character from the critically acclaimed Russell Davies drama, It's a Sin, will be opening the event and parade.

For this year's pride festival there will be the usual family event on the Friday evening with free popcorn and candyfloss for the youngsters.

Followed by a parade on Saturday from Meyrick Park to the Triangle, where a whole host of activities and stalls will take place from 1 pm.

However, the parade this year will be a walking precession with no floats due to current government guidelines.

Although this does not seem to phase organisers as it takes the event back its original walking routes.

Mr Errington said: “This year is going to have the same feeling and vibe.

“What’s exciting is it is an opportunity to be creative, not just by standing on a car or float.”

Following the pandemic this year’s theme is ‘stronger together’ with people going encouraged to think colour, flare and pride.

The theme is also seen as a way to “celebrate the efforts of the NHS” , said Mr Errington.

He added: “What better way could we do to share our rainbow so to speak.”

The parade will begin at midday on August 21 at Meyrick Park, the festival’s home in 2022, before walking towards the town hall, then onto the Square and up to the Triangle at around 1pm.

Tickets and further information are available online via the Bourne Free website.