Sandbach Pride's first ever event is well and truly open and the town is alive with the sound of music and rainbow colours.

Sandbach Mayor, Councillor Kathryn Flavell, officially opened today's event in Sandbach Park at 11 am.

Sandbach Mayor with the two comperes for the day

Cllr Flavell told the audience that the event was about breaking down the barriers.

Cllr Flavell said: "Pride is such an amazing movement. I know Congleton and Crewe have Pride and I am so excited to see that Sandbach now has a Pride.

"I'm so excited that we have finally got this in our town which is laying the future for generations to come.

"Enjoy all the acts and I hope this is the first of many to come."

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'Rainbow queens for the day' , students from Sandbach High School and College pose for a photo

Students from Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College who organised a petition to end the banning the sexualisation of school uniforms were crowned honorary rainbow queens for the day.

Players from Sandbach United FC Women were also there to support the event which will see them in the parade.

Sandbach Rock Choir sang their hearts out as the opening act of today's proceedings which are being compered by Congleton drag artists, Fonda Dixx and Stella Black.

Earlier St Mary's Church rang the bells to mark the event and many shops in the town have rainbow coloured displays.

A spokesperson for Sandbach Pride said: "Sandbach Pride is an exciting first for Sandbach and a family-friendly event for all to enjoy with stalls selling crafts and gifts,

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"There are stalls selling crafts and gifts, homemade soap and beauty products, cakes and sweets to information stalls from organisations and local community groups such as Sandbach Animal Rescue.

"Sandbach Guides will also be there as well as health and well-being stalls from Mentell providing men's mental health support to Ashfields Primary Care Centre.

"There will be a selection of great food and drink from Blackwater & Grubb, Wildfire Pizza Company, Poppy's Ice Cream Bike and GroovinGourmet.

"There will also be children's entertainment within a dedicated kids zone which will include circus skills from circus trainer Peter Duncan and fun arts and crafts with Sue Guildford from Junk Art Creations

"There will also be a chance to get glitter tattoos, bubbles and balloon modelling as well as a special appearance from Cheshire Fire and Rescue's rainbow fire engine.

"From the start of planning for Sandbach Pride, the team wanted to create a community event for all of Sandbach to enjoy and that includes all from across the community, all different ages and backgrounds, creating a new fixture in the Sandbach events calendar."