COUNTY Durham’s annual Pride event is set to take place again this weekend.
Organisers are hoping this year's parade through Durham city will be the biggest yet, and will for the first time include a banner from Durham Cathedral.
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Mel Metcalf, chairman of Durham Pride, said: "It's going to be our biggest yet.
"The cathedral are joining us and bringing a banner, which is a really big thing for us.
"We're delighted they're taking part."
He added: "I'm really looking forward to it."
The parade, which is likely to attract more than 3,000 people, many wearing fancy dress, rainbow colours and carrying banners, takes place on Sunday.
One of Durham Pride's furry supporters
It will be followed by an afternoon of music, including headliner Sonique, and a fun fair at The Sands.
A number of speakers will also be attending, including Durham Police's deputy chief constable Jo Farrell and North West Durham MP Laura Pidcock.
Other acts to take part in this year's Pride is County Durham drag act Tess Tickle and the Dragettes, Gucci, DJ Paul Ainlow, Livin' Joy and Channy.
The two day event will also include a family "sports zone" on Saturday, which is taking place for the first time and will feature things like penalty shoot outs, egg-a-thon races and obstacle races as well as a range of LGBTQ+ friendly sports clubs, which will be offering free taster sessions.
Events on Sunday start with a multi-faith service at St Chad's Chapel, in North Bailey at 11am, which will be followed by a choir performance in the college at 11.30am.
The parade, which is also being supported by organisations including Durham Police, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Durham County Council and Durham University, will set off from Palace Green, outside Durham Cathedral, at 1pm.
Durham Police will be supporting this year's Durham Pride again
This week, visitors to Durham have been welcomed to the city by a rainbow flag flying from Durham Castle.
Mr Metcalf added: "Whenever I drive into Durham it gives me a lift to see the flag flying on top of the castle and think how far we've come. It sends a message for County Durham."
After this year's event, Durham Pride is hoping to have monthly social events.
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