ORGANISERS of a gay pride event in Dorchester are hoping to build on last year’s success.

The county town held its first ever Love Parade last summer that exceeded expectations and the event is being held again on Sunday, August 29.

Gay men, lesbians and bisexual and transgender men and women will take part in a parade from the town pump from 2pm.

There will then be an after party at Café Jagos with a diverse range of music and entertainment on offer.

The inaugural Love Parade saw around 200 people take part and event organisers were delighted with the response they received.

Secretary of the parade committee Charity Jay, a transgender woman from Weymouth, said: “We are hoping for as big a success this year.

“The response from everybody in Dorchester was fantastic. There were lots of people out and about and they seemed to be in awe.

“It was a very good day, the parade went extremely well and the party was incredible.”

The party at Café Jagos will feature acts such as The Dinnerladies, Cookie Monster, Connie Rogers, Miss Hap and the ever-popular Trannioke. Entry is £5 on the door.

Charity said there had been a good response from businesses in the town, many of whom were supporting them.

The committee is again urging local residents to enjoy the day’s events and show their support for the parade – which will have a Rio Carnival theme.

Charity said: “People can expect a colourful parade and we are going to be handing out helium balloons.

“There’s going to be colour, noise and a good atmosphere.”

Committee chairman Chris Kendrick added: “We had some amazing support last year and we are hoping for the same again.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with how much support the town’s given us and the police have also been really good.”

To find out more about the Love Parade and the after party visit www.café-jagos.co.uk.

To sponsor or help with the event call 01305 266056.