RAINBOW MARCH

The ninth annual Exeter Pride will include the always popular rainbow flag march from the St Sidwell Centre down Exeter High Street to Northernhay Gardens, Exeter Phoenix, Exeter Library and Rougemont Gardens, where a packed programme of activities will await.

The march will begin at 12 noon.

It will include community groups, firefighters, police, students, trade union and business LGBT+ groups plus individuals.

The march will also include Street Heat samba band, a fire engine, an ambulance, Morris dancers and volunteers carrying a 50-metre rainbow flag.

The events and activities during the day will all be family-friendly and include activities for children, young people and adults.

There will be a bigger Pride Marketplace, including dozens of stalls from various organisations.

In addition, there will also be a talking zone at Exeter Central Library, workshops, drumming, film shows, a panel debate, trans workshop and many other activities at Exeter Phoenix.

There will be information from local, national and international organisations, demonstrations and fun activities.

LORD MAYOR

The march will arrive at Northernhay Gardens at 1pm and will be followed by a welcome to the afternoon's activities from the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Cynthia Thompson and the MP for Exeter, Ben Bradshaw.

Entertainment on the main stage will continue throughout the afternoon and include Spectrum Choir, Reigns who will perform the official 2017 Pride Anthem, South West Drag Idol heat winner Ruby Rawthorne and many bands, with hostess, Demeanor McCall.

Other guests attending will include Sandra from "Gogglebox" and others to be confirmed.

Rougemont Gardens will host the Family zone, with many children's and family-friendly activities.

The Saturday afternoon will end with a ceilidh.

EUROVISION

The ceilidh will be followed by La Voix's Big Gay Eurovision Party and a club night with "Magic Hatstand" at Exeter Phoenix.

Prior to the events on the Saturday, during the evening of Friday, May 12, there will be a Drag and Comedy Cabaret Evening at Exeter Phoenix.

Principal supporters this year include Exeter City Council Community Board, Devon County Council, The University of Exeter, FSB (Vision ICT), Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, UNISON South West, Nandos, Patronus Security, Vaults Bar and Club, River Dart Country Park Ltd and Cartridges solicitors.

'THRILLED' TO BE ATTENDING

Joss Stone said she was "thrilled" to be supporting Exeter Pride this year.

"It will be the first Pride event that I have ever attended, and where better than at my local Pride in Exeter.

"I feel it is important to support equality for everyone and am thrilled to be taking part.

"I am sure it will be a lot of fun."