CHESHIRE East Council is proudly hosting its first Pride in the Park Picnic event at Tatton Park to celebrate and support the LGBT+ community.

The free event takes place on Sunday, September 16, in the spectacular gardens of Tatton Park, and will be open to visitors of all ages, offering family-friendly activities and entertainment.

Special guests include Brazilian carnival drum and dance act Juba do Leão, an Abba tribute performance from ‘The Twins’ and performances from Proud Mary’s Choir, Cheshire Rock Choir and Sandbach High School jazz band and choir.

Visitors are invited to bring their own picnic from 10am, and will be able to explore the gardens free of charge.

The colourful, fun-filled, celebratory event will feature a health and wellbeing marketplace for guests to receive help and support from organisations such as Body Positive, Transforum Manchester and Diversity Role Models.

David Keane, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire and key sponsor for entertainment on the day, said: “I am very proud to support this event, which reunites the diversity of communities in Cheshire East.

“This event is a huge celebration in the LGBT+ calendar and I am committed to ensuring Cheshire Police works with its partners to eradicate homophobia, biphobia and transphobia across Cheshire.”

Councillor Stewart Gardiner, Cheshire East Council lead member for equality and diversity, said: “Pride in the Park Picnic will be a fantastic event for all visitors from Cheshire East and beyond and will be an excellent opportunity to celebrate the LGBT+ community by giving something back.

“This is the first of many Pride events we are hoping to host in the future and it’s great that, this year, our Pride in the Park celebration will take place in the beautiful gardens of Tatton Park.”

Councillor Liz Wardlaw, Cheshire East Council cabinet member with responsibility for equality and diversity, said: “Pride events are such vibrant occasions and this will be no different.

“You can expect lots of colour, great celebrations and a day to remember. I’m sure it will be a tremendous success.”

The Pride in the Park Picnic will be a free event, although standard entry fees to the park will apply for vehicle parking.

A shuttle bus supplied by Cheshire East Council’s wholly-owned company Transport Service Solutions will be available on the day to transport people from Knutsford town centre into the park free of charge.

To find out more visit prideinthepark.com