THE Isle of Wight will host its very own Pride event for the first time on July 15, next year, in Ryde.
The hugely popular events, which are held throughout the world. celebrate the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBTQ+) community, raise awareness and promote inclusion.
An Isle of Wight Pride committee has been established, with council, NHS, police, business, town and charity representatives.
Chairman Paul Littler said: "The vigil held at Sts Thomas’ Square for the victims of the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Florida, and to commemorate the death of MP Jo Cox, brought together a wide range of local people.
" Building on the positive feedback, it was felt that it was now time for the Island to celebrate the diversity of its community.
"The work to date has focused on finding the right date and venue for such an event. Ryde Business Association suggested their town as the first to host Pride.
"We are working now to gather feedback on what the event will look like, as well as developing bids to fund Pride, and how to work with the Island community as a whole.
"A survey has been created, seeking the views of Islanders about the event, and links are circulating via social media and paper copies at key locations."
The questionnaire can be completed at www.allcounted.com/s?did=c6tm2o6tvmyf6 before December 16.

Reporter: matthewm@iwcpmail.co.uk