Organisers of Pride Canterbury hope today's spectacular parade and show will become the premier annual festival of its kind in Kent.

Almost 300 people have already signed up for the procession, which will gather at the Marlowe Theatre before parading up the High Street at 1pm to the Dane John Gardens.

A huge party is planned, with tribute acts on the bandstand including Madonna, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, as well as performances by Danny Beard and La Voix from Britain’s Got Talent.

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There will also be shows by the Glitterbomb drag queens and Canterbury LGBT choir the Nine Bob Notes.

Organised by a specially formed committee from the LGBT community, the festival is billed as a free family event for all, and up to 1,500 visitors are expected.

Committee chairman Edd Withers said: “We want to encourage people to believe in themselves, to value their identity and to recognise that we are all different and should celebrate our differences in equal measure.”

Also on the committee is city councillor Oliver Fawcett, who said: “It has come together remarkably well considering we have only had four months to plan it.

“People will see some amazing costumes in the parade and then some fantastic acts.

“But I think we are only at about 40% of what the event could grow to be, which might even rival Brighton in the future when we have more time to plan.”

AUDIO: Interview with Committee chairman Edd Withers

As well as the music in the Dane John, there will be food, drink and craft stalls.

Edd says Pride Canterbury has only been made possible by the generous sponsorship of city businesses Iconic and Dodgems and Floss, as well as support from the Business Improvement District group.

The music in the Dane John will go on to 7pm, to be followed by an after party at the Lounge in St George’s Place, starting at 10pm, for which there is an entry fee.

For more information, visit Pride Canterbury 2016 on Facebook.