LEICESTER’S annual celebration of its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community will take to the city’s streets this weekend.
This year’s Leicester Pride festival will take place on Abbey Park, on Saturday 2 September, and also includes thousands of revellers taking part in a colourful parade through the city centre.
A series of rolling road closures will be in place in the city between 11.30am and 2pm on the day to enable the parade to pass through safely.
The parade route begins at Curve, and takes in Rutland Street, Humberstone Gate, Gallowtree Gate, Horsefair Street, Hotel Street, St Martins, Peacock Lane and Applegate.
From there, the parade moves onto St Nicholas Place, High Street, East Gates, Haymarket and Belgrave Gate before heading to Abbey Park via Burleys Way roundabout and Charter Street.
Drivers coming into the city while the parade is taking place are advised to allow extra time for traffic disruption, or use alternatives such as cycling or walking.
Around 10,000 people attend the event every year, including about 2,000 who take part in the parade.
Celebrations at Abbey Park run from 12noon until 9pm and include a programme of live music, entertainment, funfair and stalls with a firework finale by the main stage.
Leicester deputy city mayor for culture Cllr Adam Clarke said: “We are once again very proud to support Leicester Pride and welcome it to the city.
“It is always a very popular event, with thousands of people taking part through the city streets and at the main festival, which we’re pleased to host on Abbey Park this year. I hope this year’s celebrations are a huge success.”
Full details of Leicester Pride are available online at www.leicesterpride.com