This year marks the sixth year of Essex Pride which is being held in Central Park, Chelmsford on Sunday September 6. In previous years the event has attracted hundreds of people from the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) and wider community from Essex and beyond and this years attendance is expected to reach into the thousands.
 
While this festival has previously focused on providing entertainment for adults, this year statuatory organisations including Essex Police, Essex Drug and Alcohol Partnership, NHS, Essex County Council and Borough and District Councils, Essex County Fire and Rescue and many others have joined forces with the event organisers to promote the numerous organisations both local and national who are working with the LGBT community.
 
There will also be a number of local businesses, and food stalls present on the day plus a community stage that will feature a full entertainment line up including local artists, and a children's area with events such as free face painting and arts and crafts.

Live entertainment on the day will be on both Community and Cabaret stages, including headline act Amanda Wilson who will be performing ‘Love on my mind’ and ‘Watchin’ by the Freemasons.
 
Jackie Azzopardi-Johnson, Chair of Essex Pride, said:
“This is an Essex event where we showcase diversity, encourage acceptance and celebrate our differences in an environment which promotes equality, respect and engagement with the wider community and aims to promote equality and diversity, advance education and work towards eliminating discrimination in relation to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender people in Essex .”

Entry to the Cabaret Stage and Bar is by wrist band only (Over 18’s, Proof of Age required) which can be purchased in advance from Smith2 Bar on 01245 259 452 or www.essexpride.org.uk or on the day itself.

Entrance to the Community Area is free of charge.

For more information view:
www.essexpride.org