A FREE event to celebrate those “from all walks of life” and raise funds for this summer’s Southend Pride will take place today.

Winter Pride will be held at St Mark’s Church in Hamlet Road, Westcliff, from 12pm to 5pm. The event is part of celebrations throughout February, to mark LGBT History Month.

Visitors can enjoy a raffle, tombola, refreshments, and stalls. Live entertainment will be on offer all day, including choirs, musicians, and poetry.

Southend Pride chair Sam Adams said: “It’s open to absolutely anyone and everyone who respects other people attending.

“St Marks has always been very supportive of the community, providing a free venue for us to hold the winter event indoors.

“It’s a friendly, relaxed and chilled out afternoon with lots to see and do.”

An after-party will take place from 5pm at the Cliff next door, known as the “only LGBTQ pub in Essex”. Drag artist “Drag with No Name” will perform songs and comedy at the pub.

The winter event is being held to raise funds for the city's pride event on July 13.

Sam added: “The summer event costs about £25,000 to hold and is fully charity-funded. We need to raise what we can, along with grants and some sponsorship from local businesses.”