A TOWN will hold its first gay pride event later this year – but organisers need the help of local businesses to make it as exciting as possible.

Worthing Pride is being organised by Vivacious Events along with the event’s committee team and is planned for Saturday, July 14.

It will be the first time the town has hosted a pride event and organisers hope it will help boost tourism.

Josie Kelly, of Vivacious Events and chairwoman of the Worthing Pride committee, said: “There have been many motivations for launching Worthing Pride, the primary reason is to show our love and support for the local LGBTQ community and to bring the whole town together to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of Worthing and the surrounding area.

“We also felt Worthing Pride would be a great way to put Worthing on the map and that it will be a very enjoyable and exciting day for the town in general.”

Plans for the event have been approved by Worthing Borough Council and the main arena will be located at Beach House Grounds, adjacent to the Splashpoint Leisure Centre on the seafront.

Mrs Kelly said she was inspired by the movie Pride, which is based on real-life events, and brought people together to celebrate diversity in difficult and challenging circumstances.

She said: “We have been working on it for about eight months.

“We have already booked the acts for the stage.

“It will have a nice vibe at the event and will be family friendly.

“It is an important event because there are lots of youngsters who want to come out.”

The team of organisers is made up of Mrs Kelly and Andy Kelly from Vivacious Events, Mark Woollard from ML Events, Paul Batchelor from local sound and lighting company Present Entertainment, Brighton DJ and entertainment manager Claire Fuller and local businesswoman and fundraiser from Tommy’s Fund Jeanette Compton.

The event will support two local charities – West Sussex Coastal Mind and All Sorts Youth Project.

Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce’s website states that the event will provide a “main platform for a celebration of the diverse community we have here in Worthing”.

Worthing Pride, with the theme “diversity and dreams”, will be free to attend but donations will be welcome on the day.

The pride team will soon be launching its website where regular updates will be posted.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the event can call organisers on 01903 200333 or email info@worthingpride.co.uk.