Plans are in place for the annual Folkestone Pride celebrations to go ahead next month, but with a few changes.

Instead of the usual popular parade from years gone by, organisers will instead host a Pride Picnic along The Leas with live music on the bandstand.

People are invited to dress up, pack some food, grab a blanket and celebrate community and diversity within the town.

And in the evening, venues across Folkestone will host Pride parties, with two already confirmed at the Waiting Room on the Harbour Arm and The Chambers.

It will all happen on Saturday, July 17 and will be themed 'Folkestone to New York'.

In the weeks leading up to the 17th, organisers say they will be highlighting the journey of the LGBTQ+ community from the Stonewall riots in New York in 1969 to the present day, with Folkestone-wide exhibitions, events and workshops.

The choice for the theme follows the Ride and Stride fundraiser, an initiative by a collection of Folkestone Pride volunteers who have been raising money by biking, walking and running the 5,685.8km distance between Folkestone and New York, in less than three months.

The team are now looking for support from Folkestone businesses, charities and anyone else who would like to get involved.

This could be by flying bunting and banners, creating a Pride display or selling rainbow ice cream or cakes and donating the profits to Pride.

Bean, chair of Folkestone Pride, said: ‘"This is a time to come together, celebrate and embrace diversity and inclusion in our town.

"Despite a difficult year of Covid restrictions that has limited our fundraising, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes and are very pleased to be hosting the PRIDE PICNIC.

"If you’re a local business or community organisation please do support us in any way you can.

"Following the enormous success of the last Folkestone Pride in 2019, we’re determined to once again make this a town-wide festival, and for everyone.

"Don’t forget to save the date and keep your eye out for our festival programming in the run up to Pride!"

Pride is a worldwide event celebrating the LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.

It was last held in Folkestone in 2019, attended by more than 1,000 people, but was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As well as organising the annual event, Folkestone Pride provides safe spaces for people to meet, socialise, and learn, and raises awareness of issues that face the community.

To donate to the Ride and Stride fundraiser, visit here.

For more information, visit folkestonepride.org/

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