THE Cheeky Girls, S Club, and Basshunter will perform as part of a rainbow-filled day to celebrate Durham Pride.

Organisers of the annual event, now in its third year, are hoping to double the size of the festival which is held on Bank Holiday Monday (May 30).

Highlights will include a parade, entertainment in Millennium Square and an after party with S Club in the Loveshack nightclub.

Organiser Philip Mullen said: “This is for everyone to come together, no matter where people are from or what sex, gender identification or race. It’s about a broader message that we want to promote Durham as an inclusive place for everyone.

“The event has been building year to year. Pride started after one or two conversations and we had a small event. Since then people have thrown their support at us.

“It’s a statement that you can be who you are and we can support you in that. We can encourage people to feel more comfortable in themselves.”

The event starts with a parade, from Palace Green at 12pm. All those taking part will walk to Millennium Square, next to the Gala theatre, where there will be an afternoon of entertainment and speeches.

Acts include The Cheeky Girls, performing between 3pm and 3.30pm, and Basshunter, on from 4pm to 5pm.

There will also be Tess Tickle and The Dragettes and tribute acts Beeyonce and In the Mix plus children's activities in the Market Square.

The Slug and Lettuce will also host a pole dancing competition at 5.15 pm.

Charities supporting people from the LGBT community will also be available to offer help and advice to anyone who wants it.

Last year’s event raised around £1,000, which went towards supporting LGBT victims of domestic abuse.

This year, donations will go towards creating a space in Durham where people can go to get support.

Mr Mullen added: “It’s all about making sure people fell supported. There are so few services in County Durham and we want to change that.

“County Durham is quite rural and despite having a similar population to Newcastle, there are less specialist LGBT services. We want to link people up so they don’t feel as isolated as they could do otherwise.

“Pride is more than the chance to get together and have a party. There is a broader message behind it and we don’t want that to be lost, even though we want people to have fun and enjoy all of our great acts."