Town celebrates first Pride event

Performers (from left to right) Venezuela D'Vina, Dandy Issues and Thorn were part of Poole's first Pride festivities

A town has brought a "splash of rainbow colour" to its first Pride event.

Poole Pride is being hosted at the town's Lighthouse theatre.

Organisers said they were bringing their amphitheatre-style venue, called Outside Theatre, back into service to host the event.

CBeebies star, Chris Jarvis, started the celebrations at 13:00 BST on Saturday by introducing Poole’s Pride Showcase, a local variety bill of family-friendly talent.

Organisers held a protest workshop as part of the town's first Pride event

Mr Jarvis said earlier he was "very much looking forward" to seeing and welcoming everyone.

The programme features performances, exhibitions and activities in venues throughout the theatre.

Poetry slam OutSpoken was being hosted by Bournemouth Poet Laureate Myriam San Marco.

CBeebies star Chris Jarvis kick-started the celebrations, introducing Poole’s Pride Showcase

Other show performers include Thorn, D'Vina and Dandy Issues.

Organisers said Mr Jarvis would also be on hand to marshal "our very own dog show, Proud Pooches" where everyone would be welcome to show their canine companion.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor was previously lined up to perform at the evening concert but later pulled out, saying she hoped to be back in the future.

Ashton Corbin (left) spoke to director Liam Nissenborn in a post-show Q&A at Lighthouse Queer Film Festival, the evening before Poole Pride

Beloved dogs, such as Mojo, take part in the Proud Pooches dog show