This weekend, on Saturday 14th July, the Bourne Free Pride Festival takes over Bournemouth town centre with a colourful celebration of all diversities that live in the area and the constant strive towards universal equality for all - through entertainment and awareness.

The hugely popular Beachfront Parade and Live Show returns plus there will be a brand new Dance Arena street party in the evening at The Triangle, the town's gay village. Bournemouth Council is supporting the event along with many local businesses and organisations.

A nautical themed Beachfront Parade kicks off at 1pm from Alum Chine and will travel along the beach promenade towards the Pier Approach and into the Lower Gardens. There are many local groups involved including the Space Youth Project, the Metropolitan Community Church, Bournemouth University LGBT group and Fire 107.6 FM. The parade will also feature a huge 30 metre rainbow flag, anyone can join in and there will be prizes for the best outfits.

"The Metropolitan Community Church have been serving the LGBT community since 1979 and we're proud to be involved in the Bourne Free Pride Festival again in 2007" Reverend Dwayne Morgan, MCC Bournemouth

In the Lower Gardens from 2pm there will be a spectacular Live Show at The Bandstand playing host to top cabaret all afternoon with local favourite Miss Jason presenting an array of established and upcoming drag acts. There will also be a wide range of Information Stalls in the Lower Gardens, come along and find out more about a variety of organisations including Over the Rainbow, Gay Guide Bournemouth, Listed Magazine and Transdev Yellow Buses.

"Bournemouth has one of the largest LGBT populations in the UK, the Bourne Free Pride Festival is a wonderful way to bring the community together for a fun day out and a big party" Lawrence Roots, Gay Guide Bournemouth

New for the event in 2007, a huge street party will take place at the Dance Arena in The Triangle, the town's gay village. The crowds will be entertained into the night starting at 7pm, with popular DJ's playing all the latest tunes and many live performances including the sensational Tina Cousins, Diva Jannine, Medusa and boy band Billiam. There will be an outdoor bar and barbeque, plus all the local venues will be open into the early hours.

Other highlights of the day include Bournemouth Town Hall flying the Rainbow Flag for a second year to support the Bourne Free Pride Festival and Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Anne Filer, making a visit to the event during the afternoon. There's a great opportunity to win some big prizes in the Bourne Free Raffle with tickets just £1 each, and Bourne Free Wristbands are available for £5 in advance (£8 on the gate) which are required to enter the Dance Arena.

For all the latest news and information on the Bourne Free Pride Festival for 2007 see www.bournefree.co.uk and to plan your whole pride weekend, including where to stay and where to go out, see www.gayguidebournemouth.com