The third annual Chester Pride festival has a new venue for 2015.

The festival, which celebrates equality, diversity and support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, will this year be held on Saturday, October 3 in the new venue of Castle Square.

Organisers say the move from Grosvenor Park, where it is usually held, is due to fears of potential poor weather which could result in cancellation of the event.

David Redpath-Smith, chair and director of Chester Pride, said: “We are happy to announce that Chester Pride will be back in 2015, this year taking place in the new location of Castle Square.

“Last year, the festival in Grosvenor Park was almost cancelled due to overnight torrential rain and food vendors having to be towed through mud on to the event space.

“This would have been heartbreaking for the Pride committee who are all volunteers and had planned Pride for months, as well as everyone who was attending.

“The hard weather surface means that Pride will go ahead rain or shine and we are planning a fantastic day.”

About 8,000 people attended last year’s Pride event, which was publicly endorsed by American singer and gay-rights activist Melissa Etheridge.

Sponsorship packages for businesses, companies and organisations are already set to be released for this year’s event.

If you would like to register their interest in sponsoring Chester Pride email info@chesterpride.co.uk.

For more information visit www.chesterpride.co.uk or follow Chester Pride UK on Facebook, or via Twitter @chesterpride.