CELEBRITY gay rights activist Peter Tatchell will open the first Eastbourne Pride next month.

Organisers have confirmed he will be leading the parade which starts at 12.30pm at Langney Point on Saturday, July 22.

He will be joined by Len McCluskey from the Unite union and Lord Collins of Highbury.

Organiser Betty Gallacher said everything was now coming together well in terms of the organisation.

She said: “Peter Tatchell was absolutely delighted when we invited him to kick it all off.

“He is a top public LGBT figure and his attendance sends out a very positive message about the event.”

The route has now been changed after discussion with police and the borough council. It had been due to start from the Treasure Island car park but will now start from Langney Point and the parade will march down to Princes Park.

The main attractions will be in Princes Park from 2pm until 9pm

Ms Gallacher said there has been major interest in the event.

She said: “It is going to be a day to remember and it’s a very important event for the town.

“I am confident it will be a big success and we hope to attract families as well as the LGBT community.”

The procession and party has the full backing of Eastbourne Borough Council.

It has also received National Lottery funding and is being organised by Bourne Out, a group which supports the gay, lesbian and transgender community in Eastbourne.

Speakers at the event launch at Eastbourne Pier included Liberal Democrat council cabinet member Troy Tester, who made history in March 2014 when he married Aidan Neal and they became the first same-sex couple to marry in Eastbourne.

He said: “Society was less accepting when I grew up in the Nineties but this type of event sends out a powerful message, especially to younger people. It can be very hard as a gay teenager struggling to realise who you are.

“Eastbourne Borough Council is absolutely delighted that this event is going ahead. The powerful message I want to convoy is that our community will value our people regardless of their religion or sexuality.”