THE message that Herefordshire is a forward-thinking county with a place for everyone is being shared.

It comes ahead of the first major Herefordshire Pride event which is all about promoting the dignity, equality and rights of the LGBT community in the county.

Organised by the Herefordshire FACE Values Board, the event is set to take place on Saturday, July 30, from 2pm when there will be free entry to the Booth Hall in Hereford.

During the day there will be dance, acoustic artists, aerial and acrobatic acts as well as circus taster sessions and plenty more.

From 5.15pm there will be a £4 charge – which includes admission to an after party at the Venue – and the evening’s entertainment will include live comedy and entertainment from burlesque performer Lou Safire. The event will be hosted by Rogan O’Connor from MTV’s Ex on The Beach.

Nick Semper, Safer Neighbourhood Team inspector for Hereford City and member of the Face Values Board, said: “This event has been long overdue. We have been overwhelmed by the warmth of the reception to the idea by local leaders, businesses and the broader public.

“Not only is this a celebration and a party, but a signal message about delivering a safe, just and tolerant society.”

The event is also being supported by the Newton Farm Community Association, which hosts a third-party reporting centre for victims of hate crime.

Rebecca Ashton, manager of the centre and organiser of Herefordshire Pride, said: “With what happened in Orlando, there were a lot more people reaching out and wanting to get involved and that was lovely. We have already had people saying they want to be involved with next year’s event.

“There are people who are afraid to talk about their weekend because they might slip up and mention their partner of the same sex. If it helps to normalise things and make it easier in their day-to-day lives why would we not want to help?

“I have had a lot of people contact me who have moved here from bigger places who are all so excited about there finally having something in place here.

“I think with the university coming as well it’s important to have stuff like this to prove Herefordshire is forward thinking and that there is a place for everybody here.”

She said there will be lots of surprises, lots of fun, the chance to meet new people and be at the start of something “massive” for Hereford.

“It is something positive and happy and cheerful and exciting – a bit of a bright light in the midst of everything,” she added.

There will also be a number of stands sharing information about what advice and support is available in the area.

Books from writer P R Ellis will be on sale, and a small stand from the Balloon Display company will be selling accessories, as well as face painting.

CJ Copner’s ice cream van will be there and the Sneaky Sausage Project will be launching their sausage cart business there.