TAUNTON Pride is back this summer with a Pride March through the town centre.

The march starts at 11am on Saturday, July 22, ahead of the main event in Vivary Park, running until 8pm.

The directors of Taunton Pride CIC are hoping for an even better event this year and want to double the number of people taking part to 10,000.

They also plan to raise raise as much money as possible for the local LGBTIA+ community.

An entry fee of £5 will be split between the Taunton Pride Foundation to support LGBTIA+ community causes, and to support Taunton Pride and other safe events in the future.

Tickets will be available online, in person at selected outlets in Taunton, and on the day at a dedicated box office.

Under 16s will gain free entry and there will be allocated free tickets for people unable to afford any entry fee.

Visitors will enjoy a host of live music and entertainment with plenty of LGBTIA+ acts on the ToneFM Arena Stage, a funfair and other attractions including a literary area, wellbeing zone, community village, traders market, a host of street food vendors and bars.

More details when the new Taunton Pride website goes live on Friday, March 17.

Ticketing will go live on Monday, April 3, at 9am, and organisers are expecting high demand.

Director Rob Ewers said: "After the success of last year, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback we had from the public, it became clear the demand for 10,000 people was there.

“Our aim is not just to grow the event, but to continue to create a truly safe environment where everyone can be themselves.

"We are also determined to raise money to put back into the community.

"We want this event and the Taunton Pride Foundation to become sustainable, so we can have a long term, positive impact on the lives of the LGBTIA+ community in Taunton and Somerset".

For those who would like to get involved this year, there is a huge range of volunteering roles.

For further details call 01823 286688 or email info@tauntonpride.co.uk