Maidstone is to get its first Pride event this summer.

The town’s first-ever LGBTQ+ celebration, which is set to be an annual event, will go ahead on Saturday, June 22 after receiving a £2,000 grant from the council.

The celebration is being put together by three people and is the brainchild of 13-year-old Kitty Eeles.

Kitty is joined by Tess Salawa-Adam and Zoe Sparkles on the team of organisers from the non-profit Maidstone Pride team.

A parade will begin at midday from County Hall before making its way along Week Street to Jubilee Square and eventually ending with a celebration party at Lockmeadow leisure centre from 2pm.

There will be a stage at the final venue where a variety of performances will take place over the afternoon. There will also be food stalls and stands supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

Drag acts The Madame, from local restaurant and bar MuMu, will host the event and be joined by fellow drag performer Julie Glitter. More performances are set to be announced before the event.

Maidstone Pride chairperson Kitty said: “We started Maidstone Pride because I felt like if we didn’t, then who else would?

“I went to London and Medway Pride last year and they were both amazing and I wanted to know why Maidstone didn’t have a dedicated Pride event.

“The purpose is to help make Maidstone into a more acceptable and diverse area where anyone can feel represented and have something for them no matter who they are.”

Tess Salawa-Adam, local business and charities co-ordinator on the committee, added: “I am really passionate about showing people we’re here and we’re queer. I feel proud because I’m standing up in front of people and making a real, positive change.”

Committee member and director of Harmony Community Arts Centre, Zoe Sparkle, added: “It’s an honour to be at the very beginning of Maidstone Pride’s journey in 2024. Working with the young people at Harmony and building this family-focused project together is close to my heart. I struggled with my sexuality as a young person and was bullied at school because of it.

“Our hope for June 22 is to provide the LGBTQ+ community with visibility and show no one is alone in the county town, everyone has a place here, they just need to find their tribe.”

The team has received a £2,000 creative communities grant from Maidstone council, but is not affiliated with the local authority.