THE heart of Southampton is once again set to be filled with colour and love as thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans festival-goers and their friends take part in an annual celebration.
Later this month, the city is set to host Southampton Pride 2022, the south's fastest-growing festival of its kind.
With live music, outdoor stalls, and performances, Southampton Pride is a family-friendly festival celebrating love and equality.
Here's all you need to know about Southampton Pride 2022:
When will this take place?
Pride will take place on Saturday, August 27, starting at 11am.
The event will run until 10pm and is a family-friendly free event.
People are encouraged to arrive early as queues were seen in previous years.
Where will it happen?
The event will take place in Guildhall Square, where Pride Village will be found.
Guildhall Square is located in Southampton City Centre, close to Westquay Shopping Centre and on the site of Southampton City Council.
What should I expect?
With around 17,000 visitors expected, festival-goers will be able to enjoy more than 60 live acts alongside more than 30 vendors.
From food stalls to community support teams, the festival will have a little something for everyone.
The market area will be both inside and outside the Guildhall.
There will be live entertainment throughout the day over multiple stages.
The Vivienne, the first winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, will be the headliner for the City's pride event.
How can I get there?
There are no car parks on site at the event, and the Civic Centre car park will be closed.
The nearest pay and display car parks are NCP Southampton Portland Terrace, Westquay Shopping Centre, Grosvenor Square, and Eastgate Multistorey Car Park.
Above Bar Street will be closed to vehicular access all day on Saturday.
Guildhall Square is a short five to ten minute walk from Southampton Central Station, please be advised that the direct walking route from Central is up a steep hill.
All major bus routes which enter the city centre will be able to provide easy access to the event.
The Pride Parade
The Pride Parade will return with a new route ensuring as many people as possible can take part in the longest Pride March in the city.
The Parade will start at Queens Park at 10.30am.
The new route will depart from Queens Park at 11am onto Briton Street.
Turning right up into the High Street, it will continue through the Bargate before pausing for photos.
It will then make its way up Above Bar Street before splitting in two at Civic Centre Road.
The Parade will then enter Guildhall Square at about 12pm via the main entrance on Above Bar Street and the Civic Centre Car Park entrance.
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