Ashford’s first Pride event is ready to go ahead this weekend.

The town is set to be “awash with colours, unity and togetherness” as a parade, live music and a party into the night are put on.

Organisers say attendees can enjoy performances, community stalls, and educational resources on LGBTQIA+ rights and acceptance.

It will take place this weekend on Saturday, and a route for the event has now been confirmed.

The parade will start at 3pm in Bank Street, before continuing down Lower High Street and East Hill, and through Civic Park.

Paraders will then march up Tannery Lane before turning left along Station Approach and into Dover Place where the after party will start at 4pm.

Sam Griffin, one of the Pride organisers, says volunteers have been “working tirelessly” to make the event happen.

"We started with no budget or a team but we have been fortunate to build both and we are thrilled at the support we have received so far,” she said.

“The town has been a hive of LGBTQIA+ themed events with creative workshops taking place at the Made In Ashford Craftship, an Art Gallery showcasing local schools’ Pride-themed submissions at The Ashford Cinema, an online grand raffle, monthly Diversify social events at the Coachworks and even our very own Pride Ashford single.”

The single "Free" has been written, recorded, produced and performed by Ashford-based band Whiskey & Wine and is the official single of Pride Ashford 2024.

It is now available to stream now on Spotify.

The events in Ashford follow several other places in Kent that host their own celebrations.

A colourful parade weaved its way through the streets of Canterbury in Kent’s biggest Pride event earlier this month.

Tens of thousands of people were expected to have attended the family-friendly event, which also featured more than 70 marketplace stalls, food and drink vendors, and children's rides.

Hundreds of marchers took to Folkestone town centre, ending with live music at The Leas Bandstand.

This was the first parade in the seaside town since before the pandemic in 2019.

Speaking on Ashford’s first Pride event, Cllr Heather Hayward (Ashford Independent) said: “We have been fortunate to obtain significant sponsorship from Tesco, our local McDonald’s franchise, IC24, EK30, Brakes, Sideways Media, Valerie's Wine Bar, Stantec and Elwick Place plus numerous other supporters and donations from the local business community.

“Without this support, the event wouldn't be able to run and we are incredibly grateful to all for their help.”