THE city is to host its first Salisbury Pride Parade and everyone is invited to join in the celebrations.

The Salisbury LBGT+ Group (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) is holding the event on Saturday (July 30), starting at the front of Salisbury Playhouse at 6pm.

Kimberley Clarke, of Salisbury LGBT+ who has been organising the event, said: “This is not just for the LGBT plus community, it is really for everybody to celebrate who we are, not what we are as a label. It is something we are really trying to emphasise that we are fully inclusive.”

The parade will finish at The Avon Brewery and The George & Dragon Inn where the celebrations will continue. There will be music from DJ Miss Sara at The Avon Brewery and The Intruders will be performing at the George & Dragon.

Plans for the Pride parade got underway at the end of May — giving organisers about eight weeks to get the plans into motion.

Originally, 20 or 30 people were expected at the event, but organisers say that number has grown to 400 or 500.

“The support we have had has been brilliant,” adds Kimberley. “Everyone has been so helpful and positive.”

The Dean of Salisbury, The Very Reverend June Osborne, intends to bless the start of the parade before it sets off, which has delighted Salisbury Pride organisers.

Salisbury-based charity Serve On will be helping to marshal the event, which is also being supported by Salisbury Chamber of Commerce as well as other organisations including Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue.

Salisbury Chamber of Commerce vice president Amanda Foster, speaking on behalf of the board, said: “Salisbury Chamber of Commerce is pleased to see that this event is now gathering support. It reflects the view of our wonderful city – vibrant, diverse and positive to embrace all members of our community. The chamber believes in building better business – where does business start but with the people in and around our city.”

For more information go to salisburypride.lgbtplus.org or the group’s Facebook page Salisbury Pride.