APPLICATIONS for stallholders and parade participants for this year’s York Pride festival are now open.

York Pride is a registered charity which aims to promote equality, diversity and advances in education, in order to eliminate discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

York Pride raises awareness of LGBT issues by promoting and staging events, taking part in campaigning and commentary in the media, and providing support to other LGBT charities and voluntary organisations.

Each summer, the work of York Pride culminates in a day of celebrations which begins with a parade from the city centre to the Knavesmire, where there is then an event filled with entertainment, music, stalls and food and drink.

This year, the York Pride festival will take place on June 8. Applications are now open for businesses, charities and other organisations to participate in York Pride, either in the parade, with a stall, or both.

In 2018, the festival had its most successful year to date. More than 10,000 people took part in the day, which saw headliners The Cheeky Girls, R&B girl-band Cleopatra and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Danny Beard take to the stage.

Greg Stephenson, Chair of York Pride, said: “Planning is well underway for York Pride 2019, which we are confident will continue to build on the great success of previous years. York Pride is vitally important for both celebrating and advocating for the equality of LGBT individuals. The day is deliberately designed to be accessible for both adults and children, so that everyone can come along, have fun, and show their support. We’re really excited for organisations to continue to support the charity and its aims by having a stall and walking in the parade with us.”

To apply, visit yorkpride.org.uk.