Canterbury Pride is returning this weekend and it will be bigger and better than ever, with its technicolour parade and celebrated acts expected to draw more than 35,000 people.

Organisers behind the LGBTQ+ celebration estimate the festival - which features a star-studded line-up including Ru Paul’s Drag UK contestant Danny Beard and Bad Education’s Layton Williams - has cost about £250,000 to put on.

Expecting 10,000 more attendees than last year, the newly expanded festival will be held over two days, and take over two city centre car parks to accommodate its growing popularity.

Forecast to reach highs of the mid-20s, temperatures will soar at the Pride party.

The other change this year is the introduction of the VFP (Very Fabulous Person) pass, which for £20 grants the holder the ability to queue jump and gets them one free drink.

Here's everything you need to know...

When and where is it happening?

On Saturday, For the first time ever Canterbury Pride is taking place over two days. The festivities will begin this Saturday (June 10) and wind down the following day (June 11).

The celebrations kick off at 11am on the Saturday with a rainbow-laden march through Canterbury high street.

Pride organisers have invited attendees to “line the street and cheer on the parade”, which will feature live music, and promised “extra special” guests for the 750m long procession.

The Pride fun will then continue at the Dane John Gardens, where festivities are set to run from 11am to 8pm on Saturday and 11am to 7pm on Sunday.

This year the scope of the event has been extended to include the Watling Street and Castle Row car parks, which will be home to a so- called “secret garden” area, a range of food and drink vendors and a new stage for DJs.

There will also be entertainment for all ages including rides for children, a garden party and a Pride marketplace.

Event organiser, Jonathan Fitter-Harding said: “We are catering to a much more mixed audience now, so after listening to feedback we are introducing a family area, wellbeing area, and places to sit and chill a little away from the crowds if that’s what you prefer”.

From 10pm, the official Pride after-party is taking place at University of Kent’s campus nightclub The Venue in association with the hugely popular LGBTQ+ club night Glitterbomb.

Revellers attending the late night festivities will be able to witness reality star and Queen of Clean, Kim Woodburn keeping the party going late into the night.

Who is performing at Canterbury Pride?

On Saturday, pop group Liberty X and Tiktok star Caity Baser will perform alongside Drag Race favourites Danny Beard and Baga Chipz.

Fellow Drag Race stars Alexis Michelle and Choriza May, as well Amanda Lovett from The Traitors will take to the stage on Sunday.

A full setlist is available on Pride Canterbury’s Twitter page.

Canterbury Pride entertainment director Stephen Sullivan said: “This is without question our best line up of performers ever. Being able to put together so many superstars alongside some incredible local talent is a real privilege.

“There will be something for everyone across the two days. I can’t wait to see everyone in the Dane John Gardens being their true authentic selves.”

Canterbury Pride’s main stage will also be broadcast live on kmfm with presenter Rob Wills, as he hosts Floorfiller Anthems.

Do you have to pay, and who can attend?

It is free to watch the Pride Parade.

Taking part in the procession is by pre-registration only, but registration is not required for those watching.

Entry to the Dane John Gardens is also free, and open to all ages.

This year there is an optional upgrade available for £20 called the Very Fabulous Person pass, which allows you to jump the queue to enter the grounds and entitles you to a free drink.

Tickets are required for the after-party at The Venue. They can be bought here.

At the entrance to Dane John Gardens there will be volunteers accepting donations to go towards future occasions.

Pride Canterbury has more than 50 sponsors this year, including Hyde Homes, Jenner Contractors and Quinn Estates.

How to get there

Dane John Gardens is located within Canterbury's city walls, just minutes from the high street and cathedral.

If coming by car, organisers recommend using one of the city's two park and ride services, at New Dover Road and Wincheap - parking there and traveling to and from the city by bus.

The Dane John Gardens are just a couple of minutes' walk from Canterbury East railway station, and about 15 minutes from Canterbury West.

It is also adjacent to Canterbury Bus Station, which provides good links to the rest of Kent.