PRIDE supporters will be walking through the streets of Hull for the first time to celebrate diversity in the city.
Waving their rainbow flags and banners high above the crowds, the procession will be led from Queen Victoria Square to West Park on the first day of Hull Pride this summer.
Walkers are being asked to gather from 10am for an 11am start on Saturday, July 20.
Organisers are encouraging flamboyant and fun fancy dress and it is hoped Humberside Fire and Rescue Service will officially kick off the march ahead of a weekend of music and activities in West Park.
Director of Hull Pride, Andy Train, said: "Walking through the streets is how Pride events first started before the big parades and festivals all over the world.
"I recently went down to help out with London Pride and it was an incredible learning experience.
"Sat in the office I was actually quite smug about how organised we are in Hull.
"Everything is in place but there were still a few things to sort out during the London event.
"We've been advertising the Hull weekend across the country and telling people why they should come and visit the city."
Mr Train said the Walk With Pride morning is one way the event will be made bigger and better this year, despite volunteers having a smaller budget to spend on acts.
He said: "The acts are still fantastic and although funding is tight we deliver every year and the walk will bring people together.
"We didn't want to have to put the ticket price up to book bigger names and in fact it's cheaper this year.
"We hope to see even more people there this year and tickets are selling well."
Mr Train said people can walk hand in hand with their partners during the Pride march, which is being fully supported by Hull City Council.
He said: "We wanted to make sure it was organised properly and we have the correct insurance and stewards to make sure everyone is safe.
"Hopefully the reaction to the walk will be positive and people will come out and support us.
"It's meant to be an occasion where people can be themselves in their home city and we welcome all ages to come along.
"There's a possibility that we may even have a samba band for the event and we will be there united as a group, together."
Hull Pride is in its 12th year and Mr Train is also in the running for a top accolade at the National Diversity Awards, which are to be held in Leeds in September.
He has been nominated in The Positive Role Model Category for the lesbian gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBT).
Once again, thousands of people are expected to descend on West Park for the local event to see stars such as X Factor singer Kitty and S Club 7's Jo O'Meara take to the stage, along with tribute artists and local performers.
Mr Train is also organising the festival with Sooz Donkin, who is looking after the acts.
Fans have already expressed their excitement about this year's event on Twitter and Facebook and will no doubt welcome news of the early walk through the city.
He said: "The police will be with us shoulder to shoulder supporting us and it's set to be a fantastic weekend for everyone involved.
"Everything is going to plan ahead of the festiva. Alexandra Burke was a big hit last year and people enjoyed getting together for the special occasion."
