Tamworth LGBTQIA+ community to host city's first Pride event

The event will be a celebration of inclusiveness and of families of all kinds, after the majority of New England residents voted in late 2017 for same-sex couples to have the right to marry.

A handful of committee members have been working hard to organise the event for the October long weekend.

Brad Smith said they were aiming for a "family funfair day: old-school stalls, fun 'gaymes', live entertainment ... casual dining [and a] doggy fashion parade".

Co-organiser Jody Ekert said: "It's basically our community inviting the rest of the town to come and join us."

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"For a regional centre, we got quite a high percentage for the 'yes' vote, so this is us kind of stepping out as a community and saying thank you," Ms Ekert said.

"As far as I know ... this is the first ever big community event."

Mr Smith said businesses, agencies, stallholders and emergency services had been "really receptive" to the new event.

Committee president Dianne Harris said they hoped to "see at least a couple of thousand [attend], given the enthusiasm among everyone we talk to about it".

"It will be a real family event ... it's about us being part of the community and hosting something for whole community to be part of."

Co-organiser Michelle O'Keeffe said she hoped for an "inclusive, relaxed, vibrant" event for all to enjoy.