Organisers of Ashby's first Pride Day this Saturday say they have been surprised by the 'phenomenal' reaction from the town to the event.

The event was announced less than two months ago, but the response has seen a string of bars and shops commit to the day ever since.

Market Street has been decorated with rainbow flags for days now and the occasion looks like taking shape better than anyone expected.

Callum Prince, one of the event's organisers, told Ashby Nub News: "It kind of started through the Pub Watch group. 

"An idea was floated in that and then the Bull was originally going to do something as that's where Helen, another one of the organiser, works. It was born at The Bull.

"At first, we said about 10 bars would be taking part, but I think it's more than that now.

Photo: Ashby Nub News

"After we announced the date, all hell broke loose! Now we have bars and shops taking part, and some are offering discounts.

"I don't think any of us expected this, the reaction has been phenomenal."

You can see the timetable of events HERE.

Callum says there is something for all the family on Saturday - starting at 10am at the Rebound centre in Smisby Road.

It ends at the Ciro's and Manhattan's nightclubs at around 3am - if you have the stamina!

Callum added: "In between, there's a lot going on, we'll have a DJ in Market Street, stilt walkers and a surprise at around 9pm which we can't say anything about yet.

"But we've got three or four different family events. The Shoulder of Mutton is running a schoolyard game, the White Hart has a family aspect too. It was really important for us to make sure we included it. 

Photo: Ashby Nub News

"Then, in the afternoon, The Bull has got live music and stalls out the back. It's staggered throughout the day as well, with maybe some overlaps."

There is also a best-dressed shop window competition and free parking at the North Street car park.

Callum said there is also a wristband system on the day which can earn you discounts at certain places.

He added: "There's eight venues in town are running offers throughout the day, if you purchase a Pride wristband for £5 from any of the participating venues now.

"There's a town centre trail too, we want people to explore the nooks and crannies of Ashby. Plus, it fits in with the 'shop local' message of getting business into our shops."

Callum explained that the Ashby BID has provided much of the financial backing for the event.

But he added that profits from the day will be split between Ashby Pride 2024 - the plan is to make it an annual event - and the LGBTQ+ plus Switchboard.

Callum said: "People have really bought into it now. It's been brilliant. The reception has been fantastic. But we're probably more excited than anyone.

"It'll be a really proud moment when it all gets under way. We can't wait.

"We thought the interest might die off after the initial announcement - but instead, it snowballed.

"Ashby is maybe seen as middle England market town - where things like this go under the radar.

"But the response shows what a welcoming place Ashby is.

"We don't know how many people there'll be. But we have 800 followers on Facebook - if they all come along and bring friends, that could be 2,000."