HUNDREDS of people are expected to enjoy an extravaganza of arts, culture, diversity and inclusivity at Taunton Live and Pride Festival this weekend.

There will be an incredible range of musicians, performers and drag artists on the main stage at the event presented by GoCreate CIC and Taunton Pride CIC in Vivary Park on Saturday (July 16).

The stage will be hosted by drag queen Arina Fox and supported by Tone FM.

Taking charge on the Care Wyvern Stage is Taunton's own Virina Flower, with a mix of local musicians and drag performers.

There will be a well-being zone coordinated by The Sangha House. The Zone at the quieter end of the park "looking after your heart and soul and bringing a little peace to your experience" at the festival.

The Sangha House team are bringing you yoga, tai chi, laughter yoga, ariel yoga, Djembe drumming, Bollywood dance, barefoot boogy and more - all free, with entry to the festival.

There is also a children’s area with incredible circus performances and shows.

The literary area features a showcase Spoken Word and performances from collaborative workshops with Tacchi Morris Arts Centre and local writers on the bandstand.

You can get food and a drink at the bar and join local LBGTQIA+ groups in the ‘It’s OK2BU Here' zone as well as plenty of awareness stalls.

Get your free tickets at www.tauntonliveandpride.co.uk.

Ahead of Taunton Live and Pride Festival, the county town will welcome its first ever Pride Parade.

Themed Celebrate Educate #IntersetionalALL, it meets up in Goodland Gardens at 11am on Saturday.

It will then head up North Street, progressing down East Street and back up to the Market House, before proceeding up High Street.

Although the day is free, you do need to register for the parade at www.eventbrite.com/e/taunton-pride-parade-registration-32727255007 and for the festival at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/352065245627.

Taunton Live and Pride grew out of Taunton Live Arts Festival, organised by Go Create and now a collaboration between Go Create CIC and Taunton Pride CIC.

Go Create director Liz Hutchin said: "The joint festival and the Pride Parade are so important to Taunton to signal to everyone that Taunton is an inclusive and accepting town."