Thanet Pride is celebrating a £6,000 award from the National Lottery towards Margate’s exuberant and rainbow coloured event on Saturday, July 18.

Backed by Thanet council, Thanet Pride steering group members believe the money from the lottery’s Awards For All will help create the best day yet.

It has become established in the district calendar as a community celebration of diversity and integration, attracting visitors of all ages and from far afield.

Eurovision Song contest winners Bucks Fizz will headline at Thanet Pride with Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Shelley Preston on the main stage.

Other top acts due to appear include A1’s Mark Read and X Factor finalists Dolly Rockers with many more besides.

The lottery cash will also go towards paying for policing, road closures, publicity and entertainment.

A bid for lottery funding was made at the end of last year to help pay for the 2009 event.

Rainbow flags will fly as the day starts at 11.30am with a parade from the Winter Gardens green, down Fort Hill, along the seafront to the main stage.

Thanet Council chairman Cllr Margaret Sheldrick and other dignitaries will be invited to open the event at noon.

Seafront festivities end at 7pm but the day will continue into the night at venues around the town with a live cabaret at Sundowners.

Margate venues are invited to take part and advertising packs will be available to shops and other participants who would like to support Thanet Pride.

Local businesses can promote their company or sell goods by having a stall during the day.

For more information and a stallholder pack, please call Horace on 07814306664 or email your address to hotmaninshowbusiness@hotmail.com.