BRADFORD Pride will return to celebrate the district’s LGBTQ+ community in June with days of events leading up to the main event on June 19.

The 16th annual event will provide music, comedy and arts events, and now that Covid restrictions are easing people can enjoy the events face-to-face as well as online.

The Pride flag will fly proudly in front of City Hall throughout June, with events for Pride beginning tomorrow.

There will be silent disco tours on June 1, a ‘fringe’ comedy event on June 16 and a picnic at Wibsey Park on June 2 ahead of the main event in the city centre on June 19, the details of which are yet to be announced.

Leon Fleming, chair of the Pride Committee, said: “I’m very proud of the hybrid nature of the Bradford Pride Festival the team have put together this year.

“This fusion of physical and digital has come out of a determination of the LGBTQ+ community of Bradford to visible and proud."

Councillor Richard Dunbar, Bradford Council's LGBTQ+ champion, added: “We’re really excited to see the return of Bradford Pride events to the city centre for its 16th year.

“Last year we held an amazing, virtual Pride which was a success despite put together under difficult circumstance, but we’re delighted that Bradford’s LGBTQ+ community will be able to meet in-person once again.

“Bradford has a growing reputation as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly places in the UK and our Pride event is a celebration of the best of our ever-growing and diverse LGBTQ+ community.

"It’s a showcase of music, art and comedy but is also about empowerment, education and campaigning against the injustices which are still unfortunately felt by many on a daily basis.

“This year’s Pride will be an opportunity for those inside and outside the LGBTQ+ community to reflect, celebrate and campaign, but most importantly of all, to have fun! Happy Pride everyone!”

Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: "We’re delighted that Bradford will once again host Pride.

"Bradford district has always had an active LGBTQ+ community who contribute massively to making our city the diverse, inclusive and welcoming place it is now known as across the country.

“Thanks to all the organisers for pulling this year’s event together. I would encourage everyone who is attending one of the in-person events to celebrate safely.”

This year's event is being supported by Bradford-based supermarket giant Morrisons as headline partner, along with long time supporter Yorkshire Building Society and Bradford Council.

Morrisons said: “We’re passionate about making good things happen for Bradford and the LGBTQ+ community, and we’re honoured to be part of this great event. On behalf of everyone here at Morrisons, Happy Pride.”

For full details of the Pride calendar of events visit Bradford Equity Partnership’s website.