Swindon and Wiltshire Pride set to dazzle - as the event marks 16th year
It's taking over GWR Park in what is Wiltshire's largest Pride event
Today, the streets of Swindon are set to turn into a cacophony of colour, as people from across the county descend on GWR Park for the 16th edition of Swindon and Wiltshire Pride.
GWR Park is a brand new venue for them - and is said to be the 'perfect canvas' for such a popular event.
In other new news - they're also hosting two stages this year, for the very first time - offering even more locals the chance to perform, and bringing even more vibes to what is an iconic part of the Wiltshire calendar.
Since 2008, more than 75,000 people have attended Swindon and Wiltshire Pride - and despite the new venue, continue to make it a free event - making it the largest LGBTQIA+ gathering anywhere in the county.
As part of their impact, bosses say: "As well as staging an annual LGBTQIA+ event, our purpose is to promote equality and diversity for the public benefit and in particular the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity.
"Including in particular but not exclusively by raising awareness, engaging with the community, celebrating the diversity of LGBTQIA+ communities and advancing education."
One of the organisers, Andy Midwinter, said: "The fact that it's a free event will always be a part of our core values.
"I don't think there should be a barrier at an event, like ours, that lets poeple allow themselves to be themselves - and discover who they are.
"There's a number of different ways how we do it - and it's all through fundraising.
"It's a really important thing for us that it remains this way."
Like all Prides, the 2024 edition is no different by hosting, firstly, a Pride march.
The day's kicking off at 11AM over at Regents Circus in Swindon - before making its way through the town, towards the Town Hall and then over to GWR Park, which is where the celebrations can truly begin.
It's been two years since the last move - but the change to GWR Park marks a major milestone for the organisers, as it gives them space to welcome more visitors and host multiple stages.
This year Swindon & Wiltshire Pride is showcasing a diverse line up of live acts including local talent and nationally known artists - including Sonia and the Cheeky Girls.
One of those taking to the Main Stage is Athena Aperta, who's from Swindon.
They love to 'surprise the audience with her impressive tones, humour and quick song writing abilities' - and is said to be someone 'not to miss'!
Athena told us: "My tagline as a musician is 'to help people feel less alone, one song at a time'.
"The songs that I've picked as covers as ones that I think have the same message in my music. My latest single release, Facing the Sun, was about growing through anxiety and depression - so I think it's really important for people to feel like they are not alone.
"My music has so many layers to it, and so I think that why I think lots of poeple connect to it - because it's based on the human experience."
Also on the Main Stage line-up is drag star Daisy Delight - who's also from Swindon, and has performed across the South West for the past couple of years.
She's billed as being ready to 'dazzle the stage' at this year's Swindon Pride.
She told us: "I like to base my drag style on pop divas, so like the Spice Girls, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry - those pop queens!
"I love getting on stage and getting everyone on their feet and having a good time - which I'll certainly be doing at Swindon and Wiltshire Pride - it's great to show off my creative side.
"I'm what we call in the drag world, a 'lip sync assassin' - so it would be great to put that to the test and getting the audience singing and dancing!
"It's really great that we hold events like these, because it gets the community to come together and celebrate who we are.
"Prides are very important - you can buy stuff, support charities, learn about things - and just have a good ol' time."
You can check out plenty more about Swindon and Wiltshire Pride on their website.