M&S Bank has been confirmed as the sponsors of the main stage at the annual Chester Pride festival, a celebration of equality and diversity and support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Chester Pride 2015, a free event, will take place on Saturday October 3 at Castle Square, Chester.

Last year the festival was attended by an estimated 8,000 people.

The main stage last year featured well known acts Livin Joy, Kelly Llorena, Rozalla and Sonia along with a number of local performers. This year’s acts will be announced within the next couple of months.

Chair and director of Chester Pride David Redpath-Smith said: “We are happy to announce that M&S Bank will be sponsoring the main stage at Chester Pride 2015.

“As a major employer in the local area we are delighted to be working with them.”

Chief executive of M&S Bank Sue Fox said: “It’s really important that every individual feels supported and comfortable to be their whole selves in the workplace.

“This is something we take incredibly seriously, as such, we’re delighted to be sponsoring Chester Pride again this year. It’s a great event and we’re really excited to be a part of it.”

Sponsorship packages for businesses, companies and organisations are still available and anyone interested should email info@chesterpride.co.uk.

For further information visit www.chesterpride.co.uk or follow Chester Pride UK on Facebook or via twitter @chesterpride