Maidstone and Ashford host first Pride parades

The events are among several being held in the county this summer

Events are being held in two Kent towns on Saturday to mark June being Pride Month.

Live music and parades are being held in Maidstone and Ashford, the first such event in either community.

It follows a Pride parade in Canterbury on 7 June.

Events are also due to take place in Folkestone and Faversham on 27 June and in Margate on 10 August.

In Ashford things get underway with live music at the bandstand from 11:00 BST, followed by a parade to Dover Place between 15:00 and 16:00.

There will be an open air after party at Dover Place until 23:00.

Organiser Sam Griffin said: "We started with no budget or a team but we have been fortunate to build both and we are thrilled at the support we have received so far. A dedicated team of volunteers have been working tirelessly behind the scenes.

A song, "Free", has been written, recorded, produced and performed by Ashford- based band Whiskey & Wine and is the official single of Pride Ashford 2024.

This will be the first Pride parade for both towns

Maidstone's parade begins at Sessions house at 12:00 and will go through the town via Week Street.

The main event takes place in Lockmeadow from 14:00.