With Warwickshire Pride returning to Leamington this August, organisers have revealed that this year's event will have increased security measures in place.

The annual festival, which celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBTQ+) life and culture, will take place on Saturday 22 August in Leamington and organisers are promising 'the biggest and best festival to date.'

This year's Warwickshire Pride has chosen Pride is a Protest as the theme due to the 'rising hate towards LGBTQ+ people, and especially trans communities, the attacks that LGBTQ+ people are under locally from people in positions of power, and the need for LGBTQ+ communities to rise up against hate in the spirit of the origins of the Pride movement.'

An addition this year is an increased number of security on site overnight and during the festival, following the festival site being trashed in homophobic hate crimes over the last three years.

Last year, Pride flags were set on fire, and the trans tent was trashed. On the day of the festival, a transphobic group of people were arrested after being abusive and attacking Warwickshire Pride trustees. Various threats were also made via social media and email, which organisers have said "indicates the need for additional protection."

Hiring extra security has put considerable strain on the charity, say organisers, but they have expressed it is sadly needed 'while there are people who want to harm LGBTQ+ communities.'

Warwickshire Pride's Chair of Trustees, Daniel Browne, shared: "The Warwickshire Pride festival is back and as always, we are promising something bigger and better. Rooted in protest, but also celebrating LGBTQ+ life and culture, this year's festival is taking place against a backdrop of rising hate towards LGBTQ+ communities.

"Whether it's the government attacking trans rights, Warwickshire County Council's administration generally attacking LGBTQ+ communities, or an increasing number of hate crimes committed by local people, it is difficult being LGBTQ+ right now. I'm sure that when this press release is published, the comments sections on social media will demonstrate what I'm saying and why we still need pride. That's why as well as celebrating our communities, we are also standing up to hate, rising up with Pride, and making it clear that we are not going to put up with what we are being subjected to.

"There are lots of things to enjoy on the day, for people of all ages and of all identities. We welcome allies who want to come along and support LGBTQ+ people and look forward to seeing people turn out in their thousands.

"Thank you to all the amazing volunteers helping us in the run up to the festival on the day, to our incredible sponsors who have stuck with us, and to authorities such as Warwick District Council and Warwickshire Police for being on hand to support and advise to ensure this year's Pride goes ahead in the best and safest way it can."

On the day visitors can expect over 100 stalls in a rainbow marketplace, fairground rides, food stalls, a bar, a trans tent, youth tent, education tent, a wellbeing space, sensory lounge, dog show, zorbing, and a stage of live entertainment.

Headlining Warwickshire Pride this year is 90's chart topping act Livin' Joy featuring Luzahnn. Other acts include local drag legend Sassi Afrika, the Out in Cov community choir, vintage singer Kitten Von Mew, and a performance by members of Warwickshire Pride's LGBTQ+ youth group.

This year's Warwickshire Pride is headline sponsored by National Grid.

Rob Salter-Church, Director of Regulation for National Grid Electricity Transmission and Executive Sponsor of National Grid's Pride Employee Resource Group added: "Warwickshire Pride is a fantastic community event, and we're proud to continue our partnership as headline sponsor for a third consecutive year. As one of the area's largest employers, we'll be at the event sharing information about the wide range of opportunities available at National Grid – from early careers, through to experienced roles. Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, or simply curious – and whether it's your first or hundredth Pride – we'd love to see you there for what promises to be one of the events of the year."

Warwickshire Pride is a free festival and takes place on Saturday 22 August between 11.00am to 6.00pm at the Pump Room Gardens in Leamington Spa.

This year's festival is sponsored by National Grid, Coventry Building Society, Third Kind Games, Mister V Street Food, Telent, Bravissimo, and Glitzy Vintage Jewellery. Further information on the festival can be found at www.warwickshirepride.co.uk.