“BIGGER and better than ever before” is how organisers are describing this year’s Swindon and Wiltshire Pride Festival.

The event, which takes place in Town Gardens, in Old Town, on Saturday, is in its fourth year and will see headline acts Diva Fever and Booty Luv strutting their stuff on stage to ensure the event is one to remember.

The event, which is being staged in association with Nationwide for the second year, will also include a parade along a new route through Old Town which has been planned to cover as much of the area as possible.

The parade will be led by the Mayor of Swindon, as well as participants from local businesses, community groups and supporters and will leave the Town Gardens at 11.15am.

For the first time there will be a Community Stage sponsored by Unison, with acts including The Western Players, Swindon Samba Band and Disclosure.

The Nationwide Main Stage will open its gates at 12.30pm with entertainment until 10.30pm with a diverse line up to suit every taste.

Organiser Adam Lewis said: “As always Swindon and Wiltshire Pride is a free and safe environment for everyone.

“However, with an anticipated 8,000 attendees this year, numbers within the Bowl area will need to be monitored.

“To avoid the disappointment of not being able to get in, purchase a Priority Pass for just £5.

“As always there will be a shopping zone and an array of community and voluntary groups promoting their services throughout the event.”

This year will also see the introduction of an alcohol policy and restrictions are outlined on the official website.

Adam said: “This policy is not a decision we have taken lightly and we understand this may upset some people.

“However, this is being placed upon us by local authorities and in order to be able to hold the event, we have been instructed to make these changes.

“It is essential attendees to the event know what limits there are to alcohol being taken into the park and what will be refused entry into the entire gardens.

“Once again a massive thank you must be said to everyone who has shown their support.

“The community in Swindon has been amazing. There have been a number of activities through the year that have raised funds for the event.”

Toyah Wilcox, last year’s headline act, said: “Swindon and Wiltshire Pride has a unique atmosphere.

“As well as supporting and celebrating the diverse gay and lesbian scene in the region it also welcomes everyone to what is a wonderful family day culminating in a great evening of music.

“I really enjoyed my time there in 2010.

“The audience were incredibly welcoming and great fun. it was a true party and friendly.”

More information about the event is available at www.swindonpride.com.