Margate seafront was awash with rainbow flags as the town hosted its third annual Thanet Pride Festival. The event, which officially began with The Three Degrees performance at the Winter Gardens the previous night, saw visitors from as far away as Holland visiting the town to be apart of this gay event.

The organisers surpassed themselves, delivering a packed programme of live entertainment, with acts such as Kitty Monroe, Boy George Experience, Drag with no Name, Ava la Putin, and Bucks Fizz topping the bill.

Cllr Margaret Sheldrick, who arrived in a pink limousine, kicked off the opening ceremony, along with Thanet Pride chairman Kevin Grice.

"Today we celebrate the wonderful human race in all its diversity", said Cllr Sheldrick, "Be proud of the differences, because we’re all fantastic."

"Thanet pride is in its third year and we’ve see it grow from strength to strength," said Pride Chairman Kevin Grice, "For me, it demonstrates, as well as celebrates, the differences that make up our broad and vibrant community."

For full story and pictures, see the Thanet Extra, out on Wednesday July 22.