FINAL preparations are being made for this year’s Bradford Pride event, which takes place on Saturday.

Chairman of the organising committee, Jason Courcoux, said all performers had been booked and were confirmed for the event, which will take place at Bradford Bulls’ Provident Stadium in Odsal.

The annual event looked to be under threat after being cancelled in April amid licensing issues and rising running costs.

The existing organising committee resigned, and was replaced by a new ‘steering committee’, before the Bulls stepped in and offered the Pride committee their Odsal home for the event, which may see over 10,000 people in attendance.

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Mr Courcoux thanked the Bulls, and chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul in particular, for their help over the last month organising the event.

He said: “We have had one of the Bulls’ dedicated safety officers throughout the planning process to make sure that everything runs smoothly, which has been a big assistance.

“Robbie himself has been liaising with us to help promote the event, and we had a very good inclusion day at Bradford’s last home game against Swinton, which has helped to form a good relationship with the club.

“We have some big names, such as Karen Harding, Stooshe and Jake Quickenden, performing, and also a new DJ room which will be open throughout the day.

“People should come down to the event because it is an inclusive event for everybody; it doesn’t matter what your gender, sexuality, race or age is, there will be something for everyone and people should just come down to enjoy a free fun day out in a safe environment, while also raising awareness about the LGBT community.”

Bradford Bulls' CEO Robbie Hunter-Paul said: "It brings me immense pleasure that the Bradford Bulls have been offered the opportunity to help support the Bradford Pride event.

"When it was first brought to our attention that this hugely positive Bradford event was running the risk of being cancelled we jumped at the chance to offer our secure stadium as a substitute venue to the city centre. 

 "We are a hub of the community and we are developing our reach beyond that of traditional men’s and boy’s professional rugby we are excited by the role we can play in regards to the LGBT community and beyond.

"Diversity and acceptance is a mainstay of the sport of Rugby League and as a person of mixed race it has also played a huge part in my cultural and spiritual upbringing.

"On behalf of the Bradford Bulls, every person that is coming to the event first can I say welcome and I hope you have an amazing day. The entertainment line-up looks amazing and everyone looks set to have a wonderful day."

Some of the local talent that will be on show at the event includes local duo ISSIMO, who will perform with their eight-piece band, and Faheem Ashraf, who featured on this year’s series of The Voice UK.

Faheem, 22, from Wibsey, said he was honoured to be asked to perform at the event.

He said: “I’m excited to perform and to get back on stage. I’ve never performed at Bradford Pride but I know how much of a vibrant day it is so it will be good to perform for the Pride crowd and alongside some of the established names on the main stage.

“I think that events like this are quite culturally significant, and definitely a crucial part of Bradford’s culture because it celebrates diversity.

“People have the chance to just be themselves and enjoy an afternoon of live music and fun, and it’s great that people have still got the event after the setback of getting cancelled in April. The committee deserve credit for getting it organised.”

The event, on Saturday, takes place at Bradford Bulls Provident Stadium in Rooley Avenue, Odsal, from 11am to 6pm.