ORGANISERS have announced the first fund-raisers to stage East Lancashire's first-ever gay pride festival in Burnley.

International hypnotist Jonathan Royle has agreed to headline a show at the Guys As Dolls bar in St James Street on August 14.

And a music and comedy night will follow at Burnley Mechanics on September 9, supported by the Lancashire Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender charity.

The spectacular is also being backed by Burnley’s own LGBT group, the borough council, Lancashire Constabulary and St John’s Ambulance.

Headlining the show at the Manchester Road venue will be vocalist Coco Malone, who evokes the spirit of Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald. She will be supported by the Rockabelles and a ‘comedy special guest’.

Just hours later the main parade and festivities are set to take place and organisers are currently on the lookout for suitable performers and artistes.

Promoters have also invited Burnley’s best-known gay rights campaigners, Sir Ian McKellen, to officially open the gathering.

Launching the event Jay Howarth, also known as drag queen Xanadu Minelli, said: “There is a real thriving gay community in the Burnley area and there has been a lot of positive comments about the event.”

While the Manchester Pride event is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary, and its equivalent in Blackpool is now seven-years-old, the event will be the first of its kind in East Lancashire