The Progress Pride Flag will fly from Kendal Town Hall for the town’s first-ever pride festival, his month.

Kendal Pride is set to take over the town this weekend – Friday 21, July, to Sunday 22 – with a host of events and activities for people of all ages.

Billed as ‘doing pride differently’ the festival is set to make the most of the outdoors and includes many free elements – they will also fly the Progress Pride Flag for the weekend.

The Progress Pride Flag is a variation of the original LGBTQ+ Rainbow Flag designed by Daniel Quasar. It includes black, brown, pink, pale blue and white stripes, to represent marginalised people of colour in the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the trans community, and those living with HIV/AIDS.

Jamie Hooper, chair of the organising group, said: “Having the pride flag flying over Kendal for pride is fantastic and is just one part of showing what an inclusive place this is.

“As well as that we’re looking forward to a wonderful weekend enjoying the outdoors and celebrating pride.

“And, we want to invite everyone to join us for a moment of celebration at 3.30pm on Saturday at The Brewery.”

The mayor of Kendal and the High Sheriff of Cumbria will give speeches in The Brewery Arts Centre garden at 3.30pm, followed by a special pride performance from the local group Drum Nation.

Throughout the day on Saturday, families are invited to take part in free eco-arts activities provided by Ragtag Arts, also at The Brewery from 10am to 4pm.

Plus, there are a range of other activities taking place across the whole weekend.

Tickets for Saturday night’s Big Pride Party are sold out, but those wanting to celebrate can head to About Time Espresso Bar on Finkle Street on Friday evening for a special night of live music from Kendal band Tote.

On Sunday, there will also be a chance for reflection as members of the LGBTQIA+ community gather at Kendal Castle for a vigil at 2pm, followed by a closing party at the Blind Bus Driver cocktail bar on Lowther Street from 7pm.

The festival is being organised by a partnership of local organisations including; Proud in Kendal, Lakes Queer Adventures, Kendal Mountain Festival, Ragtag Arts, Brathay Trust, Kendal Youth Zone, The Brewery Arts Centre and Abbot Hall and will take place in partnership with the Kendal and Cumbria Unity Festival.

For more information about Kendal Pride or to book tickets for any of the activities visit http://www.kendalpride.co.uk