Essex Pride set to be 'bigger, louder and prouder'
The event it taking place today (21 August)
Essex Pride is returning today (21 August), and is set to be "bigger, louder and prouder" after being cancelled last year.
The annual event is being held in Central Park, Chelmsford, from midday.
There will be more than 30 acts, including Nadine Coyle and Bewitched, a circus workshop, dog show and more.
Essex Pride began in 2003 and is said to "inspire everyone to embrace equality, and demonstrates that people from all walks of life can join together and celebrate diversity".
Chair of Essex Pride, Garry Ormes, said:
"Pride has such a big history and having Pride has meant that there's huge changes in attitudes and law and society.
"Pride is a big driver for that.
"It's a big platform for celebrating the LGBTQ community and championing equality.
"We definitely drive towards that."
Garry added:
"We are really pulling out all the stops this year - it's going to be bigger, louder and prouder than before because we've had a two year absence.
"It couldn't take place last year.
"Every year the event has grown bigger and better.
"Before the pandemic we had 4,500 people that came to the event."