A COLOURFUL celebration of the LGBTQ+ community is taking place in Colchester.

Last year’s Colchester Pride had to be cancelled due to the pandemic, but will return in style on Saturday.

It will be the fourth edition of the popular event, organised by volunteers, and take place at Firstsite and Colchester Arts Centre.

Organisers said they were “incredibly saddened” and described it as a “heartbreaking decision” to pull the plug on last year’s event.

However, to celebrate its return, we’re turning the clock back and shining the spotlight on the first three Colchester Pride spectaculars.

Gazette:

Drag performer - the wonderful Asia Thorne

The first took place in 2017, with the next two following in 2018 and 2019.

Chair/event co-ordinator Dan Deller-Thompson said: “We’re thrilled that, after such a long time apart, Colchester’s LGBTQ+ community can come together and celebrate Pride again.

“We have a wonderful day planned for the community and hope folk will come and join us at Firstsite for the daytime entertainment, followed by evening cabaret at Colchester Arts Centre.

Gazette:

Enjoying their day out - visitors to a previous Colchester Pride event

“We promise a day of live music, comedy, drag artists, spoken word, talks and much more.

“Everyone is welcome and, after such a difficult couple of years, we definitely need a day of fun, friendship and love.”

For more details, head to www.colchesterpride.com

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