Swindon and Wiltshire Pride is returning this summer in a new location.

The event has been held in Queens Park for the last two years, but on Saturday, August 10, the celebrations will shift to GWR Park near the town's historic Railway Village.

Chairperson Paul Stewart said: "This is a hugely exciting moment for us and our supporters as we expand to a bigger location right in the heart of the community.

"GWR Park has a proud railway heritage, and today marks the start of the next leg of our journey in celebrating the diversity of our proud county.

"This move will provide the perfect canvas for a Pride experience like no other.

"The committee is hard at work putting together plans for this year, and even though details are still to be confirmed, the extra space means we have more freedom to create an unforgettable celebration full of memories that will last a lifetime.”

Free tickets will be available from Wednesday, May 1, from www.swindonwiltshirepride.co.uk

In addition, Nationwide Building Society has been announced as the headline sponsors for 2024.

The Swindon-based firm has participated in many Pride events over the years and has long been a supporter of community events within the town.

Lou Flaviani, people director at Nationwide and sponsor of the Pride Network, said:  “We’re so pleased to be headline sponsors of Swindon & Wiltshire Pride again this year with Swindon being home for Nationwide.

"At Nationwide, we know the importance of inclusion and diversity and we very much look forward to celebrating with the LGBTQIA+ community in August.”

WHSmith will rejoin the team as the Family Circus Zone sponsor, while Arval will be supporting the event once again to ensure Pride remains accessible to all. 

Marketplace stall applications for small businesses and good causes who want to be part of the event can be made until Monday, April 29.

In 2023, the Parade was full of colour as more than 750 people marched through the town centre to join crowds of visitors at Queens Park.

Swindon Pride launched in 2008 when the first-ever Pride festival was held in the town.

In 2009, the Pride event was expanded to incorporate Swindon & Wiltshire Pride.

Swindon & Wiltshire Pride gained charity status in 2019.

Last month, the charity won the Community Group of the Year honour at the Wiltshire Life Awards.