A TOWN is set to hold its first Pride event – aimed at making it a more accepting place.

Mark Eveleigh has organised Accrington’s first Pride festival to take place at The Railway pub in Blackburn Road next Saturday.

The former Rhyddings High School pupil, now a drag performer called Melaina Chacher, has organised the event and wants to bring people together.

The 40-year-old said event would include an action-packed line-up of entertainment from drag performer Electric Blue, cabaret performances, singing competitions and a best drag queen competition.

Mr Eveleigh and drag performer Lucy Lush will host the event.

The former Moorhead High School pupil said he wanted to change attitudes of people in Accrington.

He said: “Accrington was an accepting town, it was before I moved away.

“But when I came back it had changed and I don’t know what’s happened.

“It seems to have regressed.

“But we want to hold Pride, not just for gay people or to have gay nights, but to get everyone involved and for everyone to have fun together and make new friends.”

A ‘mini pride’ parade will start at the Craft and Stitch in Blackburn Road at 2.30pm and the walk will kickstart the event, which is due to start at 3pm at the pub on the same street.

Mr Eveleigh said his experiences as a drag queen have not always been pleasant.

During one performance he was approached by three men who threatened to attack him with a machete.

Mr Eveleigh said: “We want to make this as good as we possibly can so we can build upon it for next year.

“I would love to expand it out to other pubs and areas of Accrington.

“It’s going to be a fantastic day. We want to see both men and women in the drag competition, as drag isn’t just for men.”