BOURNEMOUTH’S pride parade is set to go ahead as planned this weekend despite London, Brighton and Plymouth all cancelling their processions this year.

Events will take place over the coming weekend on Friday August 20 and Saturday August 21, although the usual parade will be replaced with a walking march due to safety reasons.

Bourne Free’s chair, Neal Errington, said: “We are excited to be still holding an event, although it has changed considerably due to safety issues.

“Our planned move to Meyrick Park this year has been pushed back to next year,” he added.

On Friday there will be a family fun night with various stages between 5pm and 9pm to be opened by BCP Chairman Nigel Hedges in the Triangle, with a variety of entertainment in addition to free candy floss, popcorn and face painting.

Friday night’s event is ticketed this year due to Covid-19 regulations and has already sold out its 1,500 allocation.

Saturday will then see the walking parade, lead by Bournemouth Mayor Cllr David Kelsey, leave Meyrick Park at midday to head to the Triangle for around 1pm.

Jill Nalder, the inspiration for Russell T Davies’ drama Its a Sin, will feature as a VIP guest and be heading the march along with the mayor.

Once in the Triangle a range of local acts will be performing in addition to the headliners Veronica Green, from RuPaul’s drag race, DJ Brandon Block and the singer Sabrina Washington; formerly of girl band Mis-Teeq.

This year’s theme is ‘stronger together’ to encourage people to think colour, flair and pride.

Mr Errington added: “Our theme is recognition of the need for all communities to work together to remove bias and discrimination, especially at the time of a world pandemic.”

Saturday’s parade is set to feature more than 350 people including emergency services and various groups and will be lead by Dorset Police with the only vehicle at this year’s parade.

Once in the Triangle the event will also be ticketed with bookings available to be made online at the Bourne Free website, along with further information.

The event was cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.