UP TO 500 revellers from across the county are expected to gather in Winchester this weekend to celebrate LGBT+ culture.

Hampshire Pride will return for its fifth year this Saturday with a parade through the city and for the first the time will feature rolling road closures across the route.

Chairman and festival director, Sarah-Louise Collins, said: “W

“With the new assembly at the Great Hall and route through the city, we are embarking on a new era for Hampshire Pride where more people than ever before can take part in this annual celebration of diversity.”

Festival goers will assemble at the Great Hall from 12pm where the Busking Society and Gay Men’s Chorus will provide live music.

The parade will leave around 2pm and head down Jewry Street and North Walls, before passing down Parchment Street towards the King Alfred Statue.

It will then go along High Street to the Cathedral’s Outer Close before passing through the Square and back up High Street to finish at the Castle.

The festival is being sponsored by local property developer and investor, Gentian Partnerships.

Nick Ekins, managing director of the company, said:

“We hope everyone has a fantastic day in this celebration of inclusivity and solidarity.”

Local businesses, including Chococo and Piecaramba will be on-hand at the Castle to put on an indoor street festival market. Cabinet Rooms and Sainsbury’s will also provide prizes to be won across various competitions.

The festival will finish with a ‘Black and White’ party from 8pm at the Vault, Winchester Student Union, with a DJ and live music acts.

Tickets are available for £5 each on the Hampshire Pride website. More information can be found on the website at www.hampshirepride.org.