AN explosion of talent, music and dance came to Worcester on Saturday when the city held its first Worcestershire Pride.

The colourful extravaganza included star-star-studded performances from dozens of acts including Worcester’s very own X-Factor 2017 sensation Ginny Lemon, who performed and co-hosted the event alongside bearded drag queen Princx.

The family-friendly event kicked off at noon with a speech by Worcester Mayor Steve Mackay.

Speaking on the event, X-Factor star Ginny said: "I cannot believe how fantastic the turn out was. It melted my cold dead heart seeing all those young people and children dancing around and filled with joy.

"As a member of the Worcestershire Pride Committee I am so proud and delighted to be a part of such a wonderful event and part of the diverse queer community of Worcester."

Speaking on the event, Cllr Mackay said he was "very pleased" to be invited to open Worcestershire Pride.

He said: "The entertainers there provided great music and poetry helping make a great atmosphere. The organisers of the occasion were very keen to highlight how hate crime should not be tolerated and were trying to encourage anyone within the LGBT Community who was suffering discrimination to report it to the appropriate authority. I believe that holding this event in the city helps show that Worcester has a tolerant and supportive community."

Andre Oldfield, chairman of Worcestershire Pride said: "The fact that this is happening in the first place is a massive move for Worcester.

He added: "It has been really amazing. Everyone has been absolutely fabulous."

Woofy Powder, whose real name is Mary Hughes, had a tent at the site where she read a range of LGBT children's stories to youngsters.

She said: "I am so proud of everybody. I know everyone worked really hard for this- it is amazing."

The line-up included one of last year’s X-Factor contestants Freddy Parker and it featured dozens of acts, including independent artist Zara Sykes and reggae-soul musician Beth Prior.

Visitor Gyn Owens said: "It is a brilliant event. I love Pride. We normally try to go to one a year but this year we've been to two."

The event marked the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Saturday was also Bi-Visibility Day.

It also aimed to highlight homophobic hate crime in Worcestershire and offer advice on how to report it.

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

Officers from West Mercia Police were also present at the event.

On Friday the first annual RainbowFest: UnicornUs 2017 was held where bands, dancers, comedy acts, singers and drag queens entertained crowds at Archdales 73 Club, Windermere Drive.