Organisers of the first Pride event in Darwen have praised audiences and helpers for making the event a huge success.

Darwen Pride took place over the weekend and was headlined by former Eurovision singer Nicki French.

After months of planning and fundraising, organisers Tina Walsh and DJ Skippy hosted the festival on Market Square in the town square.

DJ Skippy said: “Wow what a fantastic day and night for Darwen’s first pride event. Thank you everyone for supporting us. Thanks to all the amazing acts, Danny Nathan at Sunbird Records doing the bar and stage.

“Thanks to Patty Dale, our fabulous drag queen and host. Also Liam Halewood - Boy George.

"A massive thank you to our big headline act Nicki French for entertaining us. Well-done awesome party chick Tina Walsh for putting this event together.”

Crowds at Darwen Pride (J Burkinshaw)

DJ Skippy was also thanked for organising the sound, lighting and for compering the event.

A message from Darwen Community Helpers read: “I would like to congratulate Tina Walsh for organising Darwen's First Pride and everyone who was involved. There was a fantastic atmosphere, a great turnout, brilliant entertainment and love all round.”

Andy McNae, new Darwen and Rossendale MP at Darwen Pride (G Wilkinson)

Ahead of the event Tina said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from Community CVS and the funders.

“With their help, we know that the first Darwen Pride event will be a success and we can’t wait to start planning for 2025. Members of the LGBT+ community struggle to be open about their gender identities or sexual orientation.

“They often suffer discrimination which leads to social isolation, leaving them with no one to talk to. Darwen Pride will provide a welcome opportunity that will help break down the barriers they face as well as enabling them to meet new people”.