Crowds to gather in city centre for Hull Pride

Andy Train is expecting big numbers for this year's Pride in Hull celebration

Crowds will gather in Hull to mark the city's annual Pride event.

Spread across multiple sites and venues, the celebration will return for its 23rd year on Saturday, with the theme "You're Welcome".

Andy Train, chairman of Pride in Hull, said about 136,000 people attended the event last year and they are expecting a similar number of attendees again.

"It's a great opportunity for the community to come together, creating a safe space in a vibrant city that welcomes everyone," he said.

The Pride parade, which is regarded as the centrepiece of the event, will start at 11:00 BST on Wellington Street and will finish in King Edward Square.

Zebedee's Yard will see headline performances from Queenz, Boot Luv and Big Brovaz, as well as sets from local artists including this year's Pride Got Talent winner Amy Bell.

Ferens Art Gallery will also open its doors to families for entertainment and there will be a community market featuring stalls from local organisations and artists.

Mr Train said the event was about "creating a space where everyone feels safe, seen and, above all, welcome".

He added: "It involves lots of conversations, lots of fun, lots of laughter, lots of music and lots for colour."

The Pride parade will start at 11:00 BST on Wellington Street

Alongside Pride in Hull, the city will host multiple events including the Humber Street Sesh on 2 August and the city's Freedom Festival, from 28 to 31 August.

Councillor Rob Pritchard said summer in Hull is shaping up to be an "absolute cracker".

He said: "We know how much events like these are valued by both residents and wider visitors alike and we are committed to their futures in Hull."

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices