THE first Ilkley Pride and Diversity event will take place this summer after funding was confirmed by Ilkley Town Council.

The event is on Saturday, July 2 in the King's Hall & Winter Gardens from 2pm to 6pm and 7pm to 10pm.

A spokesperson said: "Funding from Ilkley Town Council will now allow the first Pride event in Ilkley to proceed to celebrate diversity and inclusion together with our LGBTQ+ community.

"Also funding from Ilkley Round Table will support youth projects to educate about equality, diversity and inclusion."

The search is now on for local talent of all ages, such as singers, dancers, bands, poets, comedians and magicians, to perform at the event as well as organisations and businesses who wish to have a stall or workshop on the day.

Organisers are also seeking volunteers to steward and any local charities who would like to help with refreshments and activities.

Schools and organisations are being asked if they would support diversity by encouraging children to make an individual 'patch'; these patches will then be sewn together to make a giant flag. The flag will be hung in the King's Hall during the Pride event and copies flown at Ilkley Grammar School, Ilkley Town Hall and on Brook Street. Email ilkleyggt@gmail.com for materials and advice how to take part. Patches need to be completed by the end of April.

Local business who have already offered help includes Brook St Deli, Ilkley and Wharfedale Breweries, The Gin Lounge and Emi's waffle and milkshake bar. Organisers would love to hear from other local LGBTQ+ business owners too. Email ilkley.pride@gmail.com, contact 07740797281 or see the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ilkleypride

Ilkley Grammar School is fully on board with the event and are formalising a wish-list of things that their LGBTQ+ group of over 100 pupils would like to see across Ilkley to empower young people.

IGS have worked hard to help eradicate LGBTQ+ bullying within school for years running assemblies, training for staff and have a Diversity Day in June during which whole year groups are taken off timetable and take part in workshops that celebrate the diversity of the local community and society. The school has also appointed an Ilkley Pride Youth Ambassador for these projects and to link with The Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group.

These events and projects are supported by Ilkley Town Council, BMDC, local councillors, Robbie Moore MP and Ilkley Round Table.