PLANS are well under way for Malvern's first Pride event, to celebrate the LGBT+ community in and around the town.

The event is being held in the town's Priory Park on Saturday, July 27, and organisers are keen to emphasise all are welcome to promote inclusivity and equality.

Among the entertainers already lined up for the event, which will run from noon to 5pm, are band Ya Ya Logic, drag queen Miss Marty, and also LGBT+ advocate and life coach social media celebrity Char Bailey.

There will be a range of stalls from food trucks to local businesses, with plenty for the kids too, from face painting and glitter, to hair accessories and an onsite playground.

Organisers have been promoting the community theme by working with local businesses, artists and groups in Malvern, including sponsors such as QinetiQ and Austin and Co.

Betty Hughes, chair of the organising group, said: "I’ve lived here all my life yet felt very disconnected from the community.

"But since getting involved with Malvern Pride I feel like I know everyone, there has been so much heart-warming support, people can’t do enough to help make this happen – I feel a lot of love and pride for my town.

"We still really need everyone’s help – from music to equipment to some really brilliant acts on the day, organizing an event isn’t cheap.”

Among those who are supporting the event are members of the Fire Brigades Union, who have supplied the organising team with colourful union Pride t-shirts and flags, and also helped by providing meeting rooms and other assistance.

Anyone who wants to support the event financially is urged to visit the Malvern Pride page on the justgiving.com website to make donations.

There are other ways to get involved with the day. If you are a local entertainer, business or group, Malvern Pride is still accepting acts and sponsors for the event. Contact the group's website or social media to find out more.