Swindon Pride promises to be 'bigger and better'

Organisers of Swindon and Wiltshire's annual pride parade say next year's event will be "bigger and better" than ever.

More than 15,000 people attended Pride at GWR Park in Swindon this summer which brought together the LGBTQIA+ community from across the county.

Organisers say it will return to GWR Park on 15 August next year, where it will remain "free and accessible for all".

"When so many other Prides throughout the country are not running, or finding it really hard, we are trying to be as big as we can be," Hannah Golding, social media manager for the event, told the BBC.

Ms Golding said the Pride committee would be fundraising more this year and relying on sponsors to ensure tickets remained free.

"We have a great treasurer who keeps us on it with our money," she said.

"We plan ahead, we have a great entertainment manager who sources out all the entertainment and makes sure they're paid before the event as well.

"It's just all about planning".

The full line-up for the event will be announced in June.

This year's pride included performances from Atomic Kitten star Natasha Hamilton and drag queen La Voix.

"This event isn't just for the community, it's for the wider community to show up," Ms Golding added.

"I always think that Pride is a joyful activism, it's something to spend time being happy, but also being proud, and to acknowledge the struggles that have come before us."

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