FIFTY years ago the New York City Police raided a small gathering at the Stonewall Bar and arrested people identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

June 28, 1969 is a date which goes down in history as the beginning of the fight for equality.

Colchester Pride organisers are marking the occasion a day later this year to coincide with global celebrations.

The vision has been bold but the team has been lucky enough to secure sponsorship to host a day of arts, education, music and celebration.

Peter Greening, co-chairman of the Colchester Pride committee, said: “We’ve managed to form links with businesses, building goodwill relationships by networking and presenting Colchester Pride as a viable and sustainable entity.

“Our Colchester Business Improvement District sponsored our headline act Abba Magic and we’ve also been sponsored by Firstsite, Outhouse East, Unison, East of England Co-op, Surya Hotels and Coast Digital.”

On Saturday, June 29 the committee will take over the Berryfield Lawn and Firstsite.

Doors open at 10am with a 10.15am showing of the Greatest Showman.

Outhouse East Youth Group will be dressing as their favourite characters and will have a Greatest Showman-themed youth area.

At the same time on the indoor Mosaic Stage there will be an equality and diversity workshop.

At 11am there will be a question time panel made up of the Army, police, Peter Tatchell Foundation, Trans Masculine UK and other speakers. The Mosaic stage will also feature cabaret, acoustic music and a performance from Alice d’Lumiere.

The bar will be open and serving Colchester Pride beer, brewed by the Other Monkey Brewing Company.

The Berryfield stage plays host to a plethora of entertainment.

X Factor’s Ross Alexander, Ronan Parke from Britain’s Got Talent and the amazing tribute band Abba Magic will perform in the afternoon.

“At 8pm, the outside stage will close and a cabaret evening begins in the auditorium with performances from Pride favourites the Pink Ladies, the Burlesqueteers, Shar Cooterie, Tracey and Sugar Paper among many others.

“After parties are being held at Coda Bar in the high street with music by Horrible Dolphin’s, Pet Needs and Crooked State till 3am.

“Three Wise Monkeys will host bands as well as Rubix Bar in Crouch Street.”

Tickets for the day are £6 for adults, £3 for under 16s and children under eight go free.

There will be a disabled viewing platform as well as access to the lawns with market stalls.