THE international day against homophobia and transphobia was marked at a special event in Chester.

The Lions Pride LGBT Network hosted Love Music, Hate Homophobia at Alexander’s jazz bar.

The free event brought together residents for an afternoon of entertainment to celebrate diversity in the local area.

As well as live music, there were marketplace stands from the council and partner services and voluntary groups, including information about health and well-being, fostering and adoption, hate crime, civil partnerships, transgender support, housing, and equality and diversity.

The Lions Pride LGBT Network is made up of representatives from the public and voluntary sector and local LGBT businesses; Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire Constabulary, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, the University of Chester, Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Body Positive Cheshire and North Wales, LGBT Youth North West, and The Liverpool Arms.

Lord Mayor of Chester Jill Houlbrook said: “I was delighted to be part of this event. It was a colourful celebration with a powerful message. I was pleased to hear that Love Music, Hate Homophobia is now part of Chester’s yearly calendar of events.”