SUPPORTERS of Watchet’s first Gay Pride event – a party on West Street beach on August 10 - will be spreading the word by taking part in Watchet Carnival on July 27, it was decided at a packed LBGT+ campaign meeting.

The party is a response to an alleged homophobic attack on two women on West Street beach and will be a family event to celebrate equality and diversity.

It is hoped that it will become a major annual event in the town, and it will include live music, performance art, dancing, food and children’s games.

Everyone is invited to the party, which starts at 5pm. The dress code is rainbow colours – the brighter the better.

“Homophobia has no place in this town,” said Pete Stephenson, chairman of West Somerset Inter-cultral Friendship Group ,which is organising the event.

“The reaction to the event is fantastic and even greater than we had hoped. It will be a really great day. Watchet has taken the idea to its heart and support has come from everywhere.

“Local police officers have been invited and asked to dress in rainbow colours, musicians are lining up to perform, and local councils have been very helpful.

“And we heard that Crown Estates, who own the beach, had sent a message of support.

“The amazing response we have had in the town just shows how alien what happened on the beach is to Watchet.”

More information is on the Watchet Pride Facebook page.