Pride gives people a safe space - organiser

Last year's event saw thousands of people celebrate in the streets of the city

This year's Wolverhampton Pride is an opportunity to give the LGBT+ community a safe space to celebrate, its organiser says.

Taking place on Saturday at Old Market Square in the city, the event features headliners Denise Van Outen and Duncan James.

"There's still a lot of inequality in the LGBT+ community especially when it comes to employment, healthcare and hate crime," said Beth Coey Archer, organiser of Pride.

"That's why pride is so important because it gives the community a day a safe space in our city."

'Feel welcome'

Ms Archer said the event is more than just a fun day out, but a reminder to people in the LGBT+ community that they deserve to feel welcomed in the city.

"[Pride is] where people feel welcomed and inclusive and know that we're in the majority rather than the minority. It's a really important day for the community to feel safe," she added.

From 06:00 until 23:59 BST on Saturday, School Street will be closed but there will still be access to the back of businesses on the road.

There will also be access to Fold Street Car Park, the council says - and the exit from Fold Street will be between Idea Shop and Istanbul Restaurant.

From 08:30 on Saturday until 06:00 on Sunday, Victoria Street will be closed.

During the parade from 12:00 to 14:00, a rolling road closure will be in place for the route of the Pride Parade on the following roads:

• Princess Street

• Lichfield Street

• Darlington Street

• Berry Street

• Queen Street

• Victoria Street

School Street and Bell Street car parks will also be shut on Saturday while Market car park will be closed until Sunday, the authority said.