A COLOURFUL and uplifting extravaganza championing equality and diversity will return “bigger and better than ever” to the city centre this summer.

Colchester Pride 2023 will take place on August 12, following its hugely successful event last year, which attracted thousands of spectators.

Similar to the 2022 spectacular, which featured a lip-sync show from Drag Race UK star Vanity Milan, hundreds are expected to embark on a march.

It is expected the throng of campaigners will make their way through the city centre while waving banners in a defiant show of support to the LGBTQ+ community.

The celebratory day also promises to boast a vast array of interesting events, amazing entertainment, tasty street food and exciting performances.

There will also be a cabaret stage featuring some of the best upcoming artists and a designated children’s area offering crafts, activities, drag story time and much more.

A spokesman for Colchester Pride said: “The team have already been at work planning a fantastic range of events for our gorgeous community across 2023.

“The jewel in our crown, the main Colchester Pride event, promises to be even bigger and better than ever.”

Tickets, which range from £5 to £10 with under 13s allowed to attend for free, can be purchased by visiting colchesterpride.org/buy-tickets.