Kirkcaldy will turn pink next month as Scotland’s newest Pride parade gets under way.
Hundreds of members of the LGBTI community are expected to march behind a pipe band as the celebration of diversity kicks off on Saturday July 1.
And up to 2,000 people could gather in the town square at the end of the parade where seven hours of entertainment and information-sharing is planned.
Marchers will meet outside the Cupcake Coffee Box on the High Street at 12.45pm and will be ready to go by 1pm.
With many carrying banners and rainbow flags, they will walk along the pedestrianised High Street, up Whytescauseway and into Wemyssfield before stopping in front of the town house.
Stuart Duffy of Pink Saltire, one of the organisations behind the spectacle, said a huge festival-themed, family-friendly event would then be staged, hosted by drag queen Nancy Clench.
“There will be entertainment with a community feel and an LGBTI theme,” he said.
“Local bands and headline acts will be announced over the weekend and into Monday and there will also be fun for kids in a family zone.”
Further entertainment will be on offer at the nearby Adam Smith Theatre, which is being used as a satellite venue.
“That will be a hub for young people and a special youth zone will be created there,” said Stuart.
A safe place and quiet zone will be opened at New Volunteer House in East Fergus Place.
Stuart added: “It’s open to absolutely everybody.The hashtag we will be using will be #beproudbeyou. It’s not too political. It’s about having the confidence to come out and be who you are and be respected.”
As well as promoting diversity, organisers believe the festival will give local businesses a boost.
“It’s a big deal for the town,” said Stuart.
“It will bring people into the town centre so there will be an economic impact as well.
“Some cafes will open for Pride breakfasts in the morning before the parade.”
Permission for the parade was given by Fife Council on May 24 and is in line with its commitment to work with LGBTI groups to develop appropriate policies in schools and across council services to address discrimination.
