IT may not be as big as Brighton but organisers of the first Pride in Eastbourne are well advanced with their plans.

The procession and party has been confirmed for Saturday, July 22, with the full backing of Eastbourne Borough Council.

It has secured National Lottery funding and is being organised by LGBT group Bourne Out, which is based in the town.

A public meeting is being held at Eastbourne Town Hall tomorrow from 10am until noon to encourage the public to come forward and volunteer.

Betty Gallacher, who chairs Bourne Out, is hoping for a strong turnout.

She said: “We have completed the first stage of this exciting project which was to finalise a date and confirm that everything was in place to make it a goer.

“And we have had a great response.

“Now we need to get down to the nitty gritty and the detail of what needs to be done in the coming months to make this the success I know it will be.

“And that is the purpose of the meeting. It is fully inclusive, open to everyone, and we want people to come forward and volunteer.

“We want to see people at this meeting who are willing to be involved and to play their part, however big or small.

“It may be that you are happy to volunteer to liaise with the stall holders or it may be that you want to get involved with the entertainment.

“Whatever you want to do, we want to hear from you.Please come along, we want everyone to feel that they can be involved with what is going to be a huge community event for the people of Eastbourne and indeed further afield.

“This is a festival of equality, diversity and families and I am going to make sure it is a very special event.”

Ms Gallacher is confident that visitors will go to July’s event from Brighton and much further away.

She said: “This is our way of putting Eastbourne on the map when it comes to LGBT matters.

“For year one it is crucial that we make an impact but we are here for the long run and I am sure it will get bigger each year.

“It’s going to be good for Eastbourne because it will mean thousands of extra visitors coming into the town.

“The hotels are going to be packed and we have also planned a party in the Atlantis nightclub on the pier after the main event finishes.

“It’s a winner for everyone and we are keen to attract families as well as members of the LGBT community.

“We will celebrate diversity and equality. together.”