A PRIDE festival is being staged in Silsden.

The event takes place at The Hive next Sunday (July 2).

And organisers hope the venture will be the "first of many" Pride events in the town.

A host of activities will take place at The Hive, in Elliott Street, between 2pm and 3.30pm.

"We are pleased to be hosting the first-ever Pride event in Silsden," says centre manager, Jill Cook.

"It is open to all members of the community and is about having fun, with the opportunity to gather information from relevant organisations. The event is suitable for all ages."

The idea for the festival originated early this year.

"Three Duke of Edinburgh's Award Year 9 students approached The Hive as they wanted to organise an event as part of their awards programme," says Jill.

"They chose to arrange a Pride event, to bring information to people about the LGBTQ+ community.

"They were aware of many peers who are curious or unsure, feel different, scared or nervous, and they wanted an event that would enable parents and young people to initiate open and honest discussions, with information from relevant organisations. They also wanted a festival feel to the event.

"We hope this will be the first of many Pride events in Silsden."

Organisations due to be represented at the festival with information stalls include Airedale Hospital, West Yorkshire Police, Equity Partnership, South Craven School, Sound, Yorkshire MESMAC sexual health group, It's Worth Talking About, online mental wellbeing company Kooth, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, Keighley Healthy Living and Silsden Storm amateur rugby league club.

There will be entertainment and music, with Connor Walmsley guesting as master of ceremonies. A public address system is being provided by Two Roadies Music Services.

A range of free activities will include badge making, creating flags, rock painting and games.

Refreshments will be available to buy from the 'Hive Hatch', with donations welcome on the day.

The event is being held to coincide with LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

Staged annually, typically in June, the month is dedicated to the celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender culture.

Pride Month began after the Stonewall riots, a series of gay liberation protests in 1969, sparked when police raided a club in Greenwich Village, New York City. The six days of protests and clashes served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in America and worldwide.