MUSIC and dance will be amongst the highlights as the first ever Worcestershire Pride takes place.

The event, which is free and welcomes all, will feature live music and performances, a dance tent and a family area provided by Fortis Living.

The fun will kick-off at midday on Saturday (September 23) with a speech by the mayor of Worcester and will continue with music and performance until 8pm.

Worcester’s very own X-Factor 2017 sensation Ginny Lemon will perform and co-host the event along with bearded drag queen Princx.

The line-up is headed by one of last year’s X-Factor contestants Freddy Parker and will feature dozens of acts, including Zara Sykes and Beth Prior.

Andre Oldfield, chairman of Worcestershire Pride said: “It’s important to us as a committee that Pride is about diversity and inclusion.

"The B in LGBT+ is an important part of the community that we want to celebrate.”

Worcestershire Pride will not only mark the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England, but Saturday is also Bi-Visibility Day.

The event will also highlight homophobic hate crime in Worcestershire and offer advice on how to report it.

It takes place at The Fountains and Copenhagen Street car park by South Quay.

The largest supporter of Worcestershire Pride is The Big Lottery Fund.

James Harcourt, England grant making director at the Big Lottery Fund, said: “We are delighted to be funding the first ever Worcestershire Pride event.

"It is great to see money raised by National Lottery players go back into communities, bringing local people together to celebrate diversity.”

This weekend also sees LGBT organising The First Annual RainbowFest: UnicornUs 2017.

Bands, dancers, comedy acts, singers and drag queens will be amongst the entertainment, starting at 4pm on Friday night at Archdales 73 Club, Windermere Drive.

Music will continue until 11pm and it costs £7 for entry from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/188261