Next year's Ashby Pride will be 'bigger and better' according to organisers of the town's first ever event last weekend.

Bars and venues across Ashby took part in the day which lasted from 10am until the early hours.

Such was its popularity, that there are already moves to make it a permanent fixture in the Ashby events calendar and stage it on an even greater scale in 2024.

There were a variety of stands at the rear of the Bull's Head

Local shops joined in the day and decorated their fronts in rainbow colours, with Ashby Toolbox in Market Street winning the prize for best dressed window.

One Ashby bar broke its sales record by 7.30 in the evening and other venues reported big crowds.

Co-organiser, Callum Prince, says the atmosphere in the town was 'electric'.

He admits that he and Helen McArthur's hard work was worth it, and hopes the town will support the event going forwards.

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Callum told Ashby Nub News: "All people were talking about was how happy the atmosphere was in the town, everyone just enjoyed themselves.

"It felt electric on the day. Even people just coming into town, as they normally would on a Saturday, were just feeding off that.

"Every single venue seemed to be busy, most of them were heaving and I couldn't believe that.

"I think Ashby is a welcoming place generally, but to have the support and backing from the community that we got was just emphasised that.

"It showed that everyone is welcome here, and it showed the diversity of our community.

"We want to do it again next year, and make it bigger and better. The 2024 event is already in the works."

The event also gained coverage outside of the town through BBC East Midlands Today and BBC Radio Leicester, as well as Capital Radio.

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Callum added: "I did a lot of interviews before and after the event.

"So that was brilliant for the town and encouraged people to come and visit, which is what we want.

"It was a wonderful event to showcase Ashby. And it gave a platform for the town and it's traders to show what they're all about.

"That was reflected in the numbers that turned up on the day."

Ashby Mayor, Cllr Avril Wilson, also attended the event after showing support for the day in the weeks building up to it.

She said: "I think Ashby is first town in the district to stage a Pride Day and it was brilliant.

"I fully support it. But for the businesses to put the displays on as well is so good for the town.

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"Hopefully, it brought people in to the town.

"Ashby is very good at organising events, and this is an additional one which is a plus.

"Also, it shows equality to the town and hopefully brings people together.

"Ashby de la Zouch Town Council recognises that we are a diverse community, and we want to celebrate that.

"I think this shows progress for the town, it's very positive."