Torbay Pride aims to celebrate whole community

The organisers of a Pride event in south Devon hope the gathering is "heart-warming and soul restoring" for marginalised groups.

Torbay Pride is taking place later, marking the third event since it returned to Torquay's streets in 2023 following a 10-year break.

There is a march from Princess Gardens to Torre Abbey Meadows starting at 12:00 BST, as well as live music, a dog show, an inflatable assault course and circus performers.

Torbay Pride trustee Will Emery said the free event was a celebration of the queer community but also a gathering for everyone.

Organisers were hopeful a few thousand people would attend.

Mr Emery said about 35% of comments on Torbay Pride's social media profiles were hate messages, but he believed events such as Pride could help change opinions.

"It may be different to what you think," he said.

"I hope it would be if you hold negative opinions about it, but it's not just people running around taking off their clothes and all the rest of that stuff.

"It's a musical event and a fun day out and a gathering of the community."

Mr Emery said Torbay Pride had received a positive response since it returned in 2023.

"Based on the amount of turn out that you get, it really puts a dent in that whole feeling of the majority is against you," he said.

"When you are surrounded by crowds upon crowds of people screaming and shouting and singing along and enjoying an event that is queer in nature, even if they're not, it is very heart-warming and soul restoring.

"It reminds you that it's not as bad as it feels sometimes and it can be better and people are there for you."

People who want to take part in the march were asked to start gathering at Princess Gardens at 11:00.

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