Hundreds to be part of Swindon Pride parade

Previous years have seen Swindon's town centre full of noise and colour

Hundreds of people will be part of a parade today as part of Swindon & Wiltshire Pride as the event is held for the first time at a bigger site.

The main party, once the parade has finished will be held at GWR Park rather than Queen's Park, where it has been located the past two years.

Performers will include the Cheeky Girls, Sonia, and Cheryl from Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK.

The parade starts at 11:30 DST from Regents Circus and will make its way to the park for more until 20:00 DST.

For the past couple of years, the event has been at Queen's Park, but the venue has changed for 2024 to GWR park

It is the 16th Pride event in Swindon, the first being held in 2008.

Andy Midwinter, one of the organisers, said: "Every event is looking to evolve. For us, due to the amount of feedback we've had the past few years, we've been able to go to a bigger location this year."

Organisers have said they have increased hours as well this year - while the parade is on, the event at GWR park will have already started at 11:00 BST with a 'quieter hour' with reduced noise.

Mr Midwinter said he was delighted with the acts that have been booked to perform.

"They are such a big supporter of the pride community - who doesn't recognise the name the Cheeky Girls? We've got such a diverse line-up this year," he said.

As well as the live music there will be numerous stalls and stands, including a youth zone.

Wiltshire Police are one of the partners of Pride. The force has said it is expecting bigger numbers at the park itself than during the parade.