Congleton Pride is one month away!

The annual celebration of inclusivity and the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community returns to Beartown on Saturday, July 18.

This year's event will be a scaled-down version of the usual festivities, with a full day of family entertainment taking place inside Congleton Town Hall.

Ronan Clayton, co-chair of Congleton Pride, said: "This year the Pride team decided to ring the changes with an indoor event, but the purpose is the same.

"Congleton Pride brings people together for a joyful celebration that champions diversity and everyone's right to live as they want and love who they love.

"The day will be filled with music, colour, and fun at this, our seventh Congleton Pride annual event."

This will be the seventh annual Congleton Pride event (Credit: Pauline Felstead)

The free-to-attend Congleton Pride festival will be opened by the Town Crier and Town Mayor at 10am.

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It will feature live entertainment throughout the day, with music, comedy and dance on the main stage.

Visitors will also be able to browse a variety of community and artisan stalls and take part in some arts and crafts.

There will also be a free after party in the evening, while local businesses are invited to take part in the Pride window dressing competition.

Co-Chair of Congleton Pride, Abby Smith, added: "We decided on a smaller footprint event this year, but Pride is still an important date in Congleton's calendar.

"We use it celebrate how far we've come and acknowledge that some people still face discrimination and prejudice. We will keep showing up for those that need support.

"Congleton Pride is a space where everyone can be seen, heard, and valued for who they are.

"Many thanks to all the shops and local pubs and cafes who join in with Congleton Pride by decorating their windows and putting on their own events.

"We especially thank our wonderful volunteers who make it all happen, and our amazing event sponsors and donors.

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"Everyone's invited - so bring the family and have a great day!"

Businesses are invited to take part in the Congleton Pride window dressing competition (Credit: Pauline Felstead)

During the event, the Congleton Pride team will be inviting visitors to complete this year's Pride Survey.

The charity runs surveys every two to three years to learn what life is like for LGBTQIA+ people in Congleton.

Anyone can complete the survey now by visiting the web page here, with the results published later this year.