Coventry Pride 2019 got off with a bang and exploded on to the streets of the city centre.

Despite the rain seeming like it would never stop, there were still rainbows everywhere as the colours of Pride were proudly unfurled on Saturday morning.

This year's event got underway with a parade which started at Greyfriars Green and snaked its way in to the city centre with noise, colour and excitement.

It was the perfect way to get Coventry Pride - which began back in 2015 - started and thousands are expected to get involved in the entertainment and celebrations across the entire weekend.

The free event promotes diversity and inclusivity and is a celebration of the city's LGBT+ community.

Where does it take place?

Coventry Pride takes place across Coventry city centre.

University Square, opposite the cathedral, is where you'll find the main outdoor stage.

Over at the Herbert Art Gallery you'll find the indoor stage.

Broadgate is hosting the family fun fair throughout the weekend and the cathedral ruins will host the community zone on Saturday and an LGBT+ sports day on Sunday.

Coventry's bars will also be getting involved. A whole host of entertainment is being put on at both The Yard and Glamorous.

What is this year's theme?

This year the theme for Coventry Pride is superheroes and fancy dress is encouraged.

What's happening?

The festival kicked off on Saturday morning with a walking parade from Greyfriars Green to University Square.

From noon there has been live entertainment on the festival's five different stages.

The Phoenix Stage in is the main music stage, located in University Square. The Fire Stage in Bailey Lane is hosted by The Yard and Glamorous and will showcase drag acts and more. The Three Spires indoor stage will offer some more relaxed music and the Lady Go-Diva stage will host stand-up and caberet.

On Sunday between 1pm and 3pm the cathedral ruins will be hosting an LGBT+ sports day - it's nothing too physical so everyone can get involved in some of the sporty fun.

There will also be community stalls, food and drink and lots more to take in throughout the weekend.

What acts have been announced?

The Yard has announced that Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle will perform a headline show on Saturday.

Acts announced for the Phoenix Stage are:

Khalysis

StarDust

Utelka Johnson

Kelly Griggs

James Reidy

Girls Aloud's Nadine Coyle

Tin

Misha Dawn

Tom Andrews

Petra Evans

Karl Morris

Sophielou

Tom Barnwell

One Week Stand

James Negus

Calton Kelly

Lorna Dea

Klan and Bryson Taylor Jackson

Lucy Whittaker

Everything Aside

International trans DJ and Chicago national Eris Drew is stopping off at Coventry Pride as part of her first European tour. She'll be at FarGo village for an epic 14-hour day and night party from 2pm on Saturday to 4am on Sunday.

The day and night party, created in collaboration with Birmingham’s Hooker Club and Coventry Pride 2019, is a history lesson on the origins of house music pioneered by the North American LGBTQ+ community in the late 80s and early 90s.

How do I get there and where do I park?

The city centre is well served by bus routes across the city and further afield.

The Pool Meadow bus station is just a two minute walk from University Square.

Bus timetables can be found here.

If you are driving into the city centre there will be plenty of places to park. Information can be found on the council website here.

How can I get information about what's happening on the day?

There will be an information point located at the top of Priory Street with the junction of Bailey Lane.

Also, look out for Coventry Pride volunteers who will be able to direct you to information points.

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