A RAINBOW gala dinner, featuring entertainment from international performers, will raise funds for the first Isle of Wight Pride event.
Following a three-course meal at the Royal Esplanade Hotel, Ryde, performers including award-winning singer and self-proclaimed ARTivist Kat Kai Kol-Kes — Botswana’s first openly trans-identifying public figure — and harpist Cormac De Barra will take to the stage.
The evening will be hosted by Miss Jason, a firm favourite at the Isle of Wight Gay Men’s Chorus summer concert last year, and proceeds will go towards funding the Isle of Wight Pride event in July.
Guests are invited to dress to impress and colourful ties and dresses are especially encouraged.
Organiser Matt Bundy said: "Although I’ve arranged this event, I was one of the first to buy my tickets. I can’t wait to attend — it’s going to be a highlight of the year.
"We hope to raise lots of funds for Isle of Wight Pride, while also having a great evening of food and entertainment with friends, old and new."
The rainbow gala dinner will take place on Thursday, April 27, and a limited number of tickets are available from www.iwpride.org
Anyone interested in booking a stall for the IW Pride event, which will be held in Ryde on July 15, can contact market organiser Lewis Wheeler at lewis@iwpride.org
He said: "With two stages hosting a wide variety of top quality national and local musicians, speakers and performers, a parade down Union Street and a ticketed party at The Balcony, we know this is going to be a fantastic event for the Island.
"At the heart of the event is the Pride Village, which will host the acoustic stage, a cocktail bar, trade and information exhibitors, Wellbeing and Family Zones and the Catering Zone.
"As an exhibitor or trader you will have the opportunity to showcase your organisation at an event that has equality, respect and love as its core values. Through your association with Isle of Wight Pride you will demonstrate to the Island your organisation holds these values and that your doors are open and welcoming to all."
Discounts are available for those who register by April 15.

Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk