EASTLEIGH Pride is returning today bringing the town alive with after parties and celebrations.

The town’s BID is happy to welcome the event will be back for the second year running.

Last year crowds flocked to Leigh Road Recreation Ground for a celebration of love and the LGBT community.

Today's event will take place in the same location and run from 11am to 5pm.

After the main celebration finishes, venues across Eastleigh will stay open so people can continue the party.

The lineup includes Solent Gay Mans Chorus, Lemon Drizzle, Kylie on Show, Sally Monella, Misty Lee, Aura Jay, The Jays, Adam all and Oxfordshire Drag Collective.

Marketing and events manager at Eastleigh BID, Emily Reason, said: “After the huge response and amount of people who attended the event last year, we really feel there is a huge desire to bring it back this year, and even bigger.

“There was a real sense of community in the atmosphere on the day of Eastleigh Pride 2018, the amount of love and acceptance was absolutely outstanding. We have been working hard to make sure we create the same family-friendly atmosphere but with more glitz and glam. We aim to celebrate the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community and to educate all on the struggles that have been faced and those that are still faced today. We will be welcoming everyone to celebrate the day and how far the community has come.”

Last year revellers reported that the event “exceeded their expectations”.

According to organisers, the event is to bring together different communities, to accept the whole LGBT community and eliminate prejudices.

Thousands of members from the LGBT community flooded the heart of Southampton with rainbows and love.

More than 12,000 people celebrated the fourth Southampton Pride at Guildhall Square on August 24.

Celebrations lasted for most of the day with headliners S Club hitting the main stage at 8.30pm.

A parade started at the Guildhall and made its way down to the Bargate with hundreds of members taking part.