MANNINGTREE Has Pride is returning to the town for the second year running. 

The not-for-profit event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community will be held throughout 12 venues within Manningtree on June 15.      

Rowan Hunter, organiser of Manningtree Has Pride, said: "I decided to host the event to celebrate and raise awareness in the community.

"I wanted to show that there should be pride in difference. The aim is to raise awareness, educate and celebrate.

"The event is open to everyone and everyone is welcome."

The celebration will boast a drag story time, music from queer artists, food, drinks, topical lectures, drag acts, a fire station fun day, stalls, an LGBTQ choir, a local art auction and loads more.                

Last year, as Manningtree's first-ever pride event, saw more than 500 people in attendance and more than £1,500 raised.

All money raised will be donated to the Kings Rugby Team RFC, His Sumus Choir and Outhouse East. 

Rowan told eastanglianbylines.co.uk: “As an out and proud gay man from a small country town I wanted to do something for the local LGBTQ+ community to give them a voice and let them know they are not alone.

“I want to raise awareness of and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in small towns.

"Hopefully, we can change hearts and minds so people will reflect before they express opinions which may be unkind, and build an even more welcoming and inclusive place to live."