Dundee’s first ever Pride festival will take place on September 22, organisers have revealed.
The event will be held just one week after the official opening of the city’s new V&A museum, when Dundee is expected to be abuzz with tourists and visitors.
As well as an organised march through the city centre, the festival — which celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality — will feature live entertainment, including local bands and acts.
There will also be stalls and displays from LGBT organisations and organisers are keen to stress the free event is open to all, including children and families.
Tommy Small, co-chair of the Dundee Pride organising board, said: “We are delighted to finally confirm the date and venue for our big event, bringing Pride to Dundee for the first time.
“It’s a huge year for the city and we’re excited to have the V&A opening just a few days before Pride – it’ll certainly be a busy week for Dundee.”
Lee Copland, a local LBGT activist who is leading the Pride logistics team, said he was “so proud” to be working with a team of volunteers to deliver the city’s first Pride event.
The event attracted nearly 40 volunteers after a community consultation organised by Pink Saltire and Dundee City Council in October last year.
The group have now formed a voluntary organisation and hope to achieve charity status in the next few weeks.
City development convener Lynne Short said she was “delighted” to see the date officially confirmed.
“Everyone that lives, works and visits our city will be welcomed warmly and with Pride,” she said.
Gregor Murray, Dundee City Council’s equalities spokesperson, said Pride would “show everyone in Dundee, but especially young people, that you can be who you want to be”.
The councillor added: “It’s going to be such a fantastic time for the city, with the universities being back and the V&A being open and all the colour of our first ever pride event.
“I hope that the city really gets behind it and makes it a success. It’s great that now, during LGBT history month, we have a date for people both locally and further afield to put Dundee on the map.”
