The countdown has begun for this weekend’s Pride.

Organisers are gearing up for Saturday’s event, which will begin with a parade through Brighton before a party in Preston Park.

The final preparations are being put in place for the big day, which more than 150,000 people are expected to attend.

As well as the return of old favourites such as the cabaret, bears, women’s performance and Calabash tents in the park, Pride has announced some new areas. They include a Youth Space, supported by the International Production Youth Network, where two Allsorts outreach workers will offer advice between midday and 4pm.

A Community Platform, which will host community performances and speakers, has also been donated by Pink Punters nightclub.

A big screen will show the best bits of the parade, which has the theme of Pride and (No) Prejudice and action from the park.

A multi faith area will host a short interfaith service early in the afternoon.

There will also be a family area run by Rainbow Families, aided by a grant from Awards For All, which will offer facilities and activities for parents and children. There will be a creche from midday to 4pm which must be booked via www.rainbowfamilies.org.uk.

New sponsors Ford Motor Company will bring along some four wheel vehicles and Brighton Marina will set up a Butlin’s Hi Di Hi-style beach with activities.

The Community Village, sponsored by Barclays, will also return with more than 40 stalls from charities, voluntary and community groups.

Visitors will also be able to relax in the Pride Members’ Area which is free to members or £30 to non members.

The dance tent will be headlined by The Freemasons with their debut DJ performance at Pride alongside Steve Pitron and other Brighton DJs.

Other tents will include the Girls on Top Tent and the Pop Tent hosted by Revenge.

It costs more than £250,000 to stage the free event and organisers still need to raise around £40,000 on the day.

Bucket collectors will be on the parade and in the park and people will be able to donate at all of the bars.

There will also be a suggestion of a £5 donation for the dance tent.

Supporters can also pledge money before the event here or texting the word PRIDE to 70007, which will include a £3 charge plus one message at your standard network rate. Pride in Brighton and Hove will receive a minimum of £2.67 from each message.