ORGANISERS of Burnley's first ever gay pride event are already planning for next year after declaring the inaugural event an overwhelming success.

Simon Clark and Taz Hyland, who run East Lancashire LGBT, said the three-day festival held at Burnley Library, the Town Mouse B&B and Smackwater Jacks saw 150 attend and was 'extremely positive'.

Mr Hyland said: "It has gone really well. We have had such positive feedback.

"We were quite nervous beforehand because it was two people organising it in eight weeks with a budget of £1,500. But people reacted so well to it and have been so positive.

"We are bringing it back next year and it will be bigger and better."

The event opened on Friday at Burnley Library with a community expo, followed by an opening party at Smackwater Jacks in Ormerod Street.

The expo had stalls and information from charities including Fostering Solutions and there was a closing party at Smackwater Jacks last night (SUNDAY).

Among the guests showing their support over the weekend was Burnley Mayor Cllr Jeff Sumner, who attended the expo.

Plans for next year include street parties, a car boot sale and other outdoor events.

Mr Hyland said: "I would like to thank everybody who came along and made it such a success. A special thanks to the Burnley Mayor for attending and Burnley Council for their continued support."

Burnley Council leader Mark Townsend said: "It's good to see these activities taking place in Burnley.

"There was recently a ‘hidden histories’ exhibition about the lives of LGBT people in our borough over the decades. It is great that attitudes have moved on, and that this important aspect of people’s identity does not need to be ‘hidden’ any more.

"Pride events have a wider positive effect, and can help boost visitor numbers to the town, and spending in the local shops and bars. That’s always welcome."

For more information visit www.eastlancashirelgbt.com.