A FESTIVAL promoting diversity and awareness in Barrow is set to be launched at the end of this month.
The Cumbrian Winter Pride Festival will come to The Forum for the first time on Saturday January 21.
Residents of the town will be invited to come to the Forum to celebrate the diversity of the LGBT community, their friends and their families.
Lee Wicks, chairman of the Friends & Supporters of the Furness LGBT Community said: "It's to raise awareness of LGBT people locally and to celebrate LGBT lifestyle and let people know they are not alone."
Attendees will be treated to a range of singing and dancing entertainment alongside several mystery guests, as well as traditional stalls and a raffle.
Although the festival is meant to be a celebration, there will also be a more serious message attached.
Earlier in the year it was reported that in Cumbria, 25 per cent of hate crimes were directed towards members of the LGBT community.
Mr Wicks believes Barrow is a good place for LGBT people to live, he says they must fight against people who discriminate against them just for who they are.
Mr Wicks said: "Before these hate crimes get any higher we want to nip it in the bud. It's a free country to fight against prejudice and hatred against people who just happen to love somebody different.
"There is no point preaching to the converted. It could be possible to change someone's mind and let them see we are ordinary people."
Organisers are calling for anyone interested to get involved with donations, running a stall or helping out during the day.
Mr Wicks said: "It should be a great day out, a really friendly family event.
The event will start at 12.30pm and run all day. Entry is free.
To find out more about getting involved email cumbriapride@hotmail.co.uk or visit www.cumbriapride.org .
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Hate crime on the rise as PCC vows to make the county safe for all people
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