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Thanet Pride is all set to turn Margate into one big party on Saturday July 24 -- and a colour programme featuring full listings for Kent’s only Pride event is now available free.

Outlets include Margate Winter Gardens, Margate Visitor Information Centre on The Piazza, main local libraries, Thanet council and Ramsgate Town Council offices, shops, cafes and other businesses.

Inspired by the first gay pride march 40 years ago in New York, Margate seafront will be the setting for the fourth annual event.

The party starts on Friday night (July 23) with a pre-event performance at the Sundowners Bar in Albert Terrace with multi-instrumentalist Ray Golding entertaining from 9.30pm.

Saturday begins with an icons and legends parade, which gathers at the Winter Gardens in Fort Crescent at 11am, the colourful procession will set off down the hill to the seafront at 11.30am, and a cash prize donated by Back Stage Fancy Dress will be awarded to the best dressed 'icon’.

From 11am the icons and legends show is on the piazza stage, with Thanet council chairman Cllr Margaret Sheldrick officially opening proceedings at noon.

Introduced by Broadstairs psychic Robert Doyle, the programme of live entertainment will continue all day until 7pm, with highlights including a funfair and first-class tributes to Lady Gaga, Freddie Mercury, Abba, Karen Carpenter and George Michael.

They will be joined by country and western duo The Misfits, recording artist Michael Hinch, 2010 Pink Paper Readers’ Award winner The Drag With No Name, London band Moonshot, popular vocalist A Boy Called James, international drag stars Ava La Putain and Kitty Monroe, vocalist Jamie Watson, regional Pub Stars Competition winner Ben, entertainer Lee Bennett and singer Jaden Cornelius.

The festival continues at Sundowners Bar with a post- Pride party from 8pm to late featuring top drag performer Kitty Monroe.

Committed to inclusion, Thanet Pride will, for the first time, be sign interpreted for those who are deaf or experience hearing difficulties.