A weekend of family-friendly, fun activites are taking place in Darlington this weekend as the town's gay pride celebrations reach fever pitch.

Pride events kicked off on Monday with 'MonGay' to coincide with Darlington's recognised gay night, with pubs and clubs hosting special events such as drag and cabaret acts.

Pride events and activities have taken place across the town throughout the week culminating in the main Pride Festival in the town centre this Saturday (August 13).

It starts at noon with a Pride parade setting off from the Market Square and travelling up Horsemarket, High Row, then looping around Bondgate, Skinnergate and Blackwellgate before returning to the square.

The Northern Echo: Huge crowds turned out for Darlington Pride last year despite the rain Pictures: Stuart BoultonHuge crowds turned out for Darlington Pride last year despite the rain Pictures: Stuart Boulton

A host of events will be taking place in the Market Square from noon to 6pm including live music, tribute acts, street theatre, food and drinks traders, information stalls and other activities.

Read more: Here's when you'll be able to see the Red Arrows as they do flypast this weekend

Live music acts include the Voices of Darlington at noon performing hits from Trolls World Tour, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert, Footloose, The Greatest Showman and more.

Darlington folk musician and songwriter Phil Cox takes to the stage at 12.30pm followed by Bradley Thompson at 1.15pm, Caitlin Morrow at 2pm and acclaimed Newcastle indie-rock singer Holly Rees at 2.45pm.

There will also be speeches, dance performances and children's activities.

The Northern Echo: Pride in the Park last year Picture: Stuart BoultonPride in the Park last year Picture: Stuart Boulton

Saturday evening events include Pride after parties at the Woollen Mill with a Freddie Mercury Tribute from 6.30pm at at Avalon with Steve Xcite at Avalon Bar and Terrace from 6pm.

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Caitlin Morrow will also performing at Dr. inks on Saturday night from 7pm.

The celebrations continue on Sunday (August 14) with Darlington Pride in the Park.

From 11am people are invited to go along and enjoy a picnic in the South Park for lunch and an afternoon of reflection and fun, family activities.

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