Clacton hosts its first ever Pride event

Clacton is holding its first Pride celebration which will see a host of events including an after party in the evening

A seaside resort is hosting its first Pride event, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the movement globally.

A full day of music and entertainment celebrating LGBTQ+ communities will be staged at Marine Parade in Clacton, Essex from 11:00 BST on Saturday.

The free event has been planned since September, with organiser Cheryl Piper admitting she never thought Pride would reach the town.

"It's about bringing people together; there should be no stigma," she said.

"Everyone should be included in everything, no matter who you are and where you're from.

"No-one should still be scared, 50 years on from the first Pride, to walk down the road, hand-in-hand with the person they love.

"I do think things are moving - maybe too slowly - but definitely in the right direction."

Loud and proud was the message of the first Pride to be held in Clacton

Committee members of the first Clacton Pride from left to right, Sam Kantor, Tami Page-Langley and Gray Adams-Hall

Pride globally is marking its 50th anniversary and was set up following the Stonewall Inn riots and protests for gay rights in the USA in 1969.

The parade in London has a focus on the first Pride event in the capital in 1972.

Clacton Pride, which runs until 20:00 BST and features a ticket-only after party, has received funding from the National Lottery.