THE launch of Worcester’s first ever gay pride festival has been hailed a rainbow-coloured success.

About 80 people climbed aboard the Pride of the Midlands riverboat on Friday night for a Worcester Pride fund-raising party.

The boat sailed along the Severn in glorious sunshine and party-goers danced late into the evening.

There was an auction and raffle, plus live music from singers who took part in Worcester’s Text Factor contest.

Worcester Pride co-organiser Gracie Southall said: “It was absolutely fantastic. People were really enjoying themselves. We had the live auction and raffle with prizes from some of our sponsors and the live entertainment went down really well.

“There was a lot of people from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual community and their families so we had a good mix of people of all ages. It was just a huge success.”

The city’s inaugural Pride festival will take place on Pitchcroft on Saturday, September 18. Organisers hope thousands will visit, boosting trade, culture and tourism while spreading the message of bringing people from all communities together.

During the day, there with food stalls, a beer tent, chill-out areas, a fashion show and family activities, with events aimed at the gay community into the night.

Firms including Air café in Broad Street, Toni and Guy’s hair salon and Storage King have already signed up to sponsor the event. There will be more fund-raising at the end of June.

Profit from the festival will go to cancer charities, including the Worcestershire Breast Cancer Unit Campaign, which is supported by your Worcester News, as well as the Worcester Aids Foundation.

For more information and updates, including how to become a sponsor or to help out with fund-raising events, visit worcesterpride.co.uk, e-mail info@worcesterpride.

co.uk or search for Worcester Pride on the Twitter or Facebook sites.