Swindon and Wiltshire Pride is back for its eleventh fabulous edition at Swindon’s picturesque Town Gardens on Saturday August 10th and the whole shebang promises to be bigger, better and sassier than ever. And to make sure nobody misses the party, entrance is free to all-comers!

Swindon’s annual Pride Festival may be a key date in the diaries of Wiltshire’s LGBT Q+ communities, but in keeping with the town’s proud inclusive tradition everybody is welcome to attend the mother, father, sister and brother of celebrations in its now traditional Old Town surroundings.

The Opening Parade starts at the Springfield Road entrance to Town Gardens at 11.15am. It makes its way to the High Street, Wood Street, Bath Road and then back into the park for the beginning of Pride 2019.

This year’s theme for the event is ‘Festival of Visibility’ and in that spirit there will be a 50-metre rainbow flag, bold music, lashings of colour, and no doubt a few eye-catching participants dressed to impress!

“One of our main aims for Pride is to bring the community together to celebrate our freedom to be ourselves so it’s not just about the party,” says Kris Wheeler, this year’s Pride chairman. “Every day so many people struggle with their mental health because they feel unable to be true to themselves or have to hide who they are. We are all on a journey through life to become the best we can be but the process of coming to terms with your sexuality or gender identity can be a very lonely one.”

“We want anyone thinking about coming out to know that there is a community here and we have the freedom to meet at any venue. That is why we have chosen Visibility as our Festival theme.”

Headlining on the main stage in the Town Garden Bowl will be N-Trance who boast number one hits in Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand, the biggest selling dance record of 1995, and over 6 million record sales worldwide.

Also on the main stage, special guest La Voix is best known for receiving four yes’s and a standing ovation on Britain’s Got Talent. Taking a break from her busy touring schedule, the dazzling entertainer is excited to be celebrating pride in Swindon. Expect a show like no other with big diva anthems galore.

Away from the main Bowl, there will be a second stage with a host of great local bands and young performers, a picnic area, a shopping zone, a public pride tent, an arts/family zone, a community zone, a craft zone and a DJ stage.

For those who want to keep dancing as dusk descends on Town Gardens, The Official Pride After Party takes place at Swindon’s Level III nightclub from 10pm.

As the organizers put it - Be Proud of who you are, be bright and be visible! For a full breakdown of the day’s event go to www.swindonwiltshirepride.co.uk