GET THE BIGGEST STORIES FROM ACROSS SOMERSET STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX SIGN UP Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Yeovil is hosting its inaugural Pride march later this month.

Planning for the event, which is scheduled to take place from 11am on Saturday, August 31, took a step forward last weekend following the election of an organising committee.

It is hoped that a march will take place through Yeovil town centre and be followed by a picnic, with a view to organising a bigger event in 2020.

The inaugural event will mark the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, widely considered as one of the most important events that led to improved LGBT+ rights.

JK Doran, chair of Yeovil Pride, said "I grew up in Yeovil, and struggled with my identity for a long time.

"If I'd have been able to see visibility of the LGBT+ community, my journey of acceptance would have been very different.

"Yeovil has a vibrant, diverse community and we should celebrate everyone who lives, works and visits this wonderful town, but more importantly, we need to be vocal in saying that being LGBT+ isn't something to be ashamed of.

"What better way to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Stonewall Uprisings – a defining moment in LGBT+ history – than to celebrate Pride in the heart of Somerset?"

In addition to the election of Mr Doran as chair, Theresa Smith was elected as secretary and Laura Long as treasurer of Yeovil Pride.

The group has promised to release more details about the event in the coming weeks.

Want more news?

To subscribe to our daily newsletter, enter your email address into the box at the top of this story.

To keep up to date with our latest news, follow us on Facebook and Twitter .

Find our Somerset Facebook page here , and our Bath Facebook page can be found here .