First EVER Oakham Pride begins today
A pride march around the town will start from 11:30am
Oakham's first ever Pride event begins today, and "there's something for everybody" to get involved in.
Lucy Slessor, who's behind the inaugural occasion, told us there's been difficult moments at times after flyers were torn down a number of weeks ago - but nothing was going to stop things going ahead.
READ MORE: Tearing down posters "not going to stop" Oakham Pride, as more support shown
Now, shops windows are being decked out in LGBTQ+ colours and Rutland residents of all ages and backgrounds are being encouraged to join in with the celebrations.
'Everybody is really committed to bringing a fantastic event to Oakham, the first of it's kind. It's going to start with the pride march, which will start in Cutts close. So people that want to get involved need to be in Cutts close by 11:30 at least', Lucy said.
'We will be doing a horseshoe formation going through the town, doing a loop and back to the castle where we have our opening, and hopefully some special guests that might be there for the opening.'
An official opening ceremony will take place at Oakham Castle following the march, where they'll be stalls, circus skills, live music, face painters, dancing, and children will even be able to Meet and Greet Princesses.
Lucy added: 'Then, once those gates are open, we have a plethora of acts, stalls and games, you name it - there's something for everybody.'
'It's lovely because it gives a brand new opening and it just shows that there is a warmth there and there is a response in kind that there is a reception and inclusion it's just a lovely situation to be in.'