Pride festival's invitation to 'come and join the party'

Artists set to appear at the all-day show include Britain's Got Talent martial arts duo "Strike", former "Atomic Kitten" singer Liz McClarnon and singer Adam Rickitt, who used to appear in Coronation Street.

Doncaster Pride spokesman Trevor Jones said: "Prides are celebratory events for the gay and lesbian community, their friends family and supporters – but, more than that, they are the opportunity for all people to come together to have a great day and celebrate our similarities and not our differences."

As well as the musical acts on the main stage, this year's festival will also include a free children's play area and demonstrations from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and the South Yorkshire Police dog display team.

Other attractions will include an acoustic indoor stage, a fashion show, a civil partnership and wedding event, a market, fairground rides and an after-party which runs until 2am.

Mr Jones added: "We want everyone, whatever their age, sex, background and abilities to see that Pride is all about getting everyone involved; and we extend an invitation to all the people of Doncaster to come to our party."

Entry to the event costs 3 for adults or free for under-16s, and tickets are available on the day.

This is the first year that the festival is being held at the racecourse. Doncaster's mayor Peter Davies said he would not fund minority projects such as Pride when he was elected in 2009, but cash was subsequently found to fund the event.