A TOWN’s first Pride weekend is still going ahead with a programme of virtual celebrations.

The first ever Darlington Pride Weekender event has been forced to go digital because of the pandemic, but organisers are still determined to put on a show.

A day-time parade has taken place in the town for the last two years, but this year a new group was set up to organise a weekend of festivities, including a parade, picnic in the park, and a party.

The group, which formed in March, has had to put its plans on hold but is determined to put on something for the town's LGBT community.

Philippa Scrafton, one of the organisers, said: "We still want to be a safe space for people. I've been involved in LGBT campaigning for about 20 years and we know the importance of Pride to the community.

"In the lockdown, people across the UK and Darlington have struggled, particularly people who struggle with their sexuality and gender.

The Northern Echo:

"Many have been in an environment that is not ideal and don't have that safe space and the opportunity to be their authentic self.

"If someone is struggling, having that outlet and safe space to be themselves is so important.

"It has been a challenge but hopefully people enjoy the weekend."

The team has produced a number of videos, featuring music, DJs and speakers.

Phillipa added: "Just because we can't have the event we want, it doesn't mean we can't celebrate diversity and come together, have a party and enjoy music and the rainbow of colour and celebrate the community that's Darlington.

The Northern Echo:

"We are really looking forward to it and it should be a really good event, even though it's online. It gives us a platform for next year and it will hopefully be bigger and better."

Councillor Darrien Wright, another organiser, said: "Obviously it's going to be very different to what we had planned.

"It's not just about a party, it's about the history and education and celebrating all together.

"We have a mix of different things planned, from bands and DJ sets and different speakers.

"There's something for everyone."

He added: "I'm really thankful that the town hall and councillors have really got behind it

In the last few years it has been fantastic in the town and from now on it's going to be a whole weekend. That's been put back but we didn't want people to think we had forgotten about it

"We're already planning next year."

Events on Facebook start at 9am and new videos and content will be posted every hour throughout the weekend.

On Monday, low key events will be taking place in bars in the town, while abiding by social distancing.

This week has also seen colourful art pop up around parts of the time, which has been done by graffiti artist Paul Murray, who has been spray painting around the town to celebrate Darlington's heritage.

To get involved and for the full schedule of events visit the Darlington Pride weekender page on Facebook.