This year Pride celebrations are back with a bang, with more events than ever being held across the county and a host of incredible celebs set to entertain crowds.

Alexandra Burke, Rylan and RuPaul's Drag Race stars like Pangina Heels, Jimbo, Elektra Fence and River Medway, all feature in star-studded line ups across six consecutive weekends this summer.

Pride is an event celebrating LGBTQ+ social and self acceptance, as well as their achievements and advances in legal rights.

However, it is also a chance for the community to use their platform to peacefully protest against current inequalities and social prejudices still remaining against them.

The very first official Pride was held in London in 1972, and was attended by just 2,000 people.

It has since become one of, if not the most anticipated annual events for the LGBTQ+ community.

The first Pride in the county was held in Canterbury's Dane John Gardens in 2005 and was called 'Picnic In The Park' - people will return to the exact same spot in four weeks to celebrate just how much change has been made to support the community in the past 17 years.

Canterbury - June 11

The biggest Pride festival every year is held in Canterbury High Street with live music, entertainment, food and drink in Dane John Gardens.

Around 25,000 people are expected to come together to celebrate diversity, equality and progress for the LGBTQ+ community.

Celebrations start with a parade at 11.30am and local organisations and groups can register to take part.

The party will then continue until 7pm at Dane John Gardens with performances from chart-topper Alexandra Burke, RuPaul's Drag Race legends Baga Chipz, Jujubee, and Jimbo, as well as Kent's very own drag superstar River Medway.

There will also be an over 18s after party event held at Glitterbomb with details due to be released nearer the time.

Canterbury Pride was a huge success last year

Dartford - July 2

Pop stars and drag queens will be paying a visit to Dartford this summer as the town hosts its very first Pride event.

The town’s Orchard Theatre, together with Dartford Borough Council, has announced a number of events to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

The main Dartford Pride event, which will take place from 3pm to 7pm on Saturday, July 2, will feature a headline performance from Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates.

Also appearing at the Dartford Pride, which is a free event, is RuPaul's Drag Race star River Medway, from Chatham, Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions winners Twist and Pulse and comedian Carly Smallman.

Folkestone - July 23

This year's Folkestone Pride will kick start six consecutive weekends full of LGBTQ+ festivities across the county.

Hundreds travel to the coast for the annual event which usually sees a huge crowd donning rainbow merchandise, glitter and flower garlands.

Typically the parade kicks off the day along the Leas and comes to an end at Leas Cliff Hall where entertainment is provided by local artists such as Dita Garbo.

Maidstone - July 30

The Glitterbomb in the Park event was held for the first time last year at Mote Park in Maidstone and is not technically branded as a Pride event but celebrates all things freedom and self-acceptance.

It attracts a large LGBTQ+ crowd and is a ticketed festival - adult tickets cost £33, children aged 6-12 need to pay £11.20 and kids under 5 just £2.

It will return at the end of July with another star-studded line up including queens like Scarlett Harlett, Elektra Fence and Pangina Heels - TV presenter Rylan will also take to the stage for a DJ set.

A bar will be provided and food trucks including local LGBTQ+ businesses will cater for the crowds.

Tonbridge - August 6

This year is the first ever Tonbridge Pride.

It is free to attend and is just a 10 minute walk from Tonbridge railway station.

There will be a 'Pride March' down the high street and into the castle.

More details are expected to be released soon for the debut of Kent's newest Pride celebration.

Margate - August 13

Dreamland in Margate will once again host Pride in the seaside town which one drag queen has called the "queer capital of Kent".

Last year a fundraising page was set up with 135 people pledging a total of £14,819 towards Margate Pride 2022.

This year an art trail featuring a series of events and exhibitions in venues in the town will showcase LGBTQ+ artists and businesses.

The purpose of the exhibitions, workshops and performances it to "expand and inspire the public’s ideas and experiences, forging positive relationships between communities and ecologies".

Gravesham - August 13

Free tickets are now available for Gravesham Pride held in Fort Gardens.

The annual march will take place through the town from Community Square to the main event in the gardens.

This year the event will host a 'Life and Wellbeing' zone to highlight service and programmes available locally for LGBTQ+ people.

There will also be plenty of food and drink stalls, live entertainment and a 'bring you own' picnic area.

Medway - August 20

Last year was the very first Medway Pride held in person, but had limited numbers due to Covid-19 restrictions.

This year the open event will be held within Rochester Castle Gardens - organisers are hoping it will be free but are urging people to donate or sign up as a sponsor.

Gates will open from 10am to 8pm with a stage show at noon featuring Dolly Parton and Madonna tribute acts, Angie Brown, Kelly Wilde and local artists like Snow White Trash.

Hilary Cooke from Medway Pride said: "There will be lots of community stalls to highlight the services available to people and we are having our first ever parade with details released soon on how to sign up."

Tunbridge Wells - August 20

On the same day as Medway Pride, Tunbridge Wells will also host an event in the town centre.

Last year the parade was cancelled due to Covid-19 measures, but organisers put on the very first children's pride.

Held in The Forum's back garden, families were invited to 'Drag Storytime' and glitter face-painting before the adults event started in the evening.

More information on the timetable for this year is expected to be released soon.

Dover - August 27

On the last official weekend of summer, Dover Pride will round up the celebrations.

There will be a parade route through the heart of the town celebrating the diversity of Dover.

Following the march, everyone can enjoy the free music, entertainment and market space.

Dover Pride is an event for the whole community, described as "a series of events to raise awareness, support, self-worth, respect, courage and visibility; to reflect on the history, politics and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community".

Herne Bay - September 10

The very first official Herne Bay Pride is planned for the second weekend in September.

It has been organised by the Herne Bay LGBTQ+ Trust in partnership with the Pier Ceylon.

Local businesses and volunteers are being encouraged to message the trust on social media to get involved.

More information will be revealed nearer the time.