Crowds pack Walsall Pride celebration

More than 2,000 people enjoyed a day of live music and entertainment at the town's third annual celebration, organised by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Jo O'Meara performed a selection of S Club's pop hits from the 1990s, while a string of tribute acts to Lady Gaga, Paloma Faith, Amy Winehouse and Cher also took to the stage in Gallery Square.

An Abba tribute band also performed - with Walsall Pride chairman Lee Hurst declaring: "No pride is complete without dancing queens."

Pleased with the success of the free event and already planning for 2015, Mr Hurst added: "This is the biggest by far. We have been running for three years and this is the biggest attendance we have seen with more than 2,000 people here to enjoy a community day.

"Walsall Pride is an annual event to dispel myths, break down barriers and promote community cohesion. Today was open to all members of the community with no age, gender or religious restrictions."s

In addition to the main stage, entertainment was organised across the town with a cabaret marquee at The Red Lion hosting the Midlands favourite drag artistes and dance acts.

There was a dance arena at Wharf Bar and the entertainment continued all weekend at The Lion Bar and Club.

The event also hosted a variety of market stalls, funfair rides and a health and wellbeing area and the New Art Gallery provided children's arts and crafts sessions.

After performing, Craig Saggers, one half of the X Factor duo said: "These are our favourite kinds of events, the crowd here in Walsall has been fantastic."

Mandy Evans, 33 from Chuckery, Walsall has been to all of the Walsall Pride events and said: "This event is great, it brings everyone together and helps to raise awareness."