Band needed to march out for Walsall Pride parade

The first-ever march through Walsall will launch a day-long festival in Gallery Square.

But after the band pulled out due to illness and holidays, organisers Walsall Pride have been left in limbo.

Now, they have issued a last-ditch plea for a marching band to step in and lead crowds through the town centre.

The festival is a community-run event aimed at promoting community cohesion.

Chairman and founding member of LGBT Walsall Pride, Les Hurst, said funding was in place to pay for a new band but after scouring the internet, a replacement had not yet been found.

The 42-year-old said: "This is our fifth year for the Walsall Pride festival.

"We decided to put a parade on for the first time but in order for that to be successful there has to be a marching band.

"But due to illness and holidays there isn't enough people available in the band we originally booked and they can't commit."

Walsall Pride celebrates the diverse LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community in and around the borough.

It also aims to dispel myths, break down barriers, address homophobia and achieve community togetherness.

Organisers are aiming to make its fifth year even bigger and better than before.

Taking place on August 27 between 11am and 5pm, a host of acts will perform at the event, including the likes of headliners Stooshe and Rozalla and Walsall indie-quartet The Assist. The parade, which launches the event, would march up St Matthews Asda and down Park Street before making its way to the venue at Gallery Square.

Around 150 people were expected for to turnout for the march.

Mr Hurst added: "We're making an appeal now as it will have to be cancelled if we can't find anyone.

"The expenses will obviously be paid if we get anyone to come forward. The Pride event will still go ahead but it's the parade in jeopardy."

Mr Hurst and his team have spent the past 12 months preparing for the Pride event, which is expected to bring more than 4,500 extra people to the town on the day.

And as soon as this year's festival is over, organisers will get to work on making preparations for next year. "We have some fantastic artists on this year, some of which celebrate the talent of people in Walsall," Mr Hurst said.

"It's all about getting the community together at a grass roots level."

Anyone who can help Walsall Prideto find a marching band can call 07857 781 078 or email walsallpride@live.co.uk