A pride event is set to return to a Kent town for the second time this summer.

Preparations are underway to celebrate Ashford’s LGBTQIA+ community, which will include a market, live entertainment, a march and an afterparty.

The event will kick off at 10am with the Queer Makers Market in Park Mall on Saturday, June 21.

The market will showcase work from LGBTQIA+ artisans and businesses, offering a range of crafts, art, and merchandise.

Organisers say the market will highlight the creativity and talent within the community.

Live entertainment will begin at the Bandstand at 11am, featuring performances from musicians, drag artists, and other acts.

The lineup has not yet been announced, but organisers promise a mix of music and performance aimed at creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

At 2pm, the focus will shift to activism with a Protest March through the town centre.

The march is intended as a show of solidarity and a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and LGBTQIA+ rights.

Organisers hope it will serve as a powerful statement about the need for continued progress.

The day’s celebrations will continue into the evening with the official Pride Ashford Afterparty at Coachworks from 3pm to 10pm.

The afterparty will feature live music, drag performances, and a range of food and drink options.

Stalls will also offer merchandise and other items.

Sam Griffin, one of the event’s organisers, said: “We are incredibly excited to bring Pride Ashford back in 2025.

“This event is a testament to the strength and resilience of our community, and we invite the entire community of Ashford to join us in celebrating love, diversity, and equality.”

Pride Ashford is described by organisers as a celebration of both progress and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights.

They say the event aims to provide a safe and inclusive space for everyone, regardless of background.

Last year, Ashford was “awash with colours, unity and togetherness”, as the town's first ever pride event took place in June.

The same month, a colourful parade weaved its way through the streets of Canterbury in Kent’s biggest Pride event.

Tens of thousands of people were expected to have attended the family-friendly event, which also featured more than 70 marketplace stalls, food and drink vendors, and children's rides.

Hundreds of marchers took to Folkestone town centre, ending with live music at The Leas Bandstand.

This was the first parade in the seaside town since before the pandemic in 2019.