SOUTHEND Pride has been in full swing this week, with a host of celebrations taking place, from the rainbow and glitter fuelled opening party at the Railway Hotel last Saturday, through to its poetry event last night, youth event on Monday and more.

This weekend of course sees much more fun to honour the LGBTIQA+ community while having some all-inclusive good old fashioned fun.

Last night, there was an alternative night taking place at Chinnerys in Marine Parade, Southend, called Black Unicorn.

Bands included Fortify, Raze the Void and T-Bitch will be taking to the stage for energetic performances.

Today, do not miss the Pride Parade! Dress up, be colourful, bring banners and signs and "show our town what equality and acceptance really is" says the team behind it, and march with Southend Pride from the Royal Plaza at the top of Pier Hill, behind the Royals Shopping Centre, from 11am. The parade will set off at 12pum up the High Street, til 12:45pm.

The day will continue from 12pm until 8pm in Warrior Square, with the 2019 Southend Pride Festival - expect "colour, glitter, community stalls, food, drinks, a cracking merchandise stall and obviously a stage full of camp and cracking local acts!"

Of COURSE there will be an after party!

This takes place from 8pm until 3am, at The Cliff Pub, Hamlet Road, Southend.

Doors will open at 5pm if you fancy arriving early to the party and get ready for all the "gay classic hits, up-to-date tunes and floor fillers!"

Admission to all events are free apart from Chinnerys, which will be £3.

You can pick up some brilliant Southend Pride t-shirts and merch, via all the events.

Find out more at southendpride.org.uk