HALTON’s very first Pride event will take place next month.

It will come to Halton Castle on August 13 and 14 and will provide a welcoming and family-friendly environment to enable all event goers to celebrate and embrace Halton’s diversity.

Visitors can look forward to a whole host of entertainment over the weekend across three independent areas set amongst the grounds of Halton Castle.

A full entertainment line-up is set to be announced in the coming weeks but live music, DJs, art activities, kids entertainment and a candlelit vigil are all expected to be there.

The event coincides with the celebration of 50 years of Pride in the UK.

Lead event organiser, Hayley Smith, from North West HIV Support said: “What better way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pride than with the first ever Pride in Halton, an event the borough truly deserves.”

The event will also be supported by The Studio in Widnes, GLOW LGBTQ youth group, Halton Veterans and The Castle.

Any funding gained from a GoFundMe page will be used to cover infrastructure and other event-related costs. However, the event is also open to any businesses willing to contribute in non-financial means if they are able to provide equipment or services that would otherwise be paid for.

Businesses should email info@halton-pride.org for further info.

All proceeds from this year’s event will be used to scale up Halton Pride 2023 and to allow for the introduction of other community-focused Pride projects and activities throughout the year.

The hope for 2023’s event is to introduce a parade and host an increased number of attendees across the weekend while also attracting some big-name performers.

Tickets are £8 from halton-pride.org. Under 16s will be able to claim free tickets with details on how to do so to be announced in due course.

Halton Pride is also calling for any volunteers that would like to be involved with the event – no experience is necessary. Anyone interested should email info@halton-pride.org.