RUPAUL'S Drag Race UK star Baga Chipz MBE is to headline Dudley's first outdoor Pride event this year.

The Dudley Pride event, being organised by Dudley Council, will take place on Saturday July 20 and will feature live vocals, comedy and dazzling costumes.

Stone Street Square will have a stage and marquee from 1pm to 8pm with a line-up of entertainment throughout the afternoon and include X Factor finalist Georgia Burgess and Birmingham’s Rainbow Voices Choir, Word of Mouth DJ Stuart Ojelay, drag Queen Trixie Lee and more.

There will also be chance for aspiring DJs to enter a competition to win a 45 minute set on the day.

Visit www.dudleypride.org.uk/dj-comp for details.

The colourful fun day of celebration will be open to everyone and will be free of charge thanks to external funding from the government’s Commonwealth Legacy Fund.

There will be funfair rides, stalls and food and drink options throughout the event, which is being supported by borough businesses.

Councillor Hilary Bills, the new Mayor of Dudley, said: “We are delighted that we can celebrate with the LGBTQ community at our first outdoor Pride in July.

“As part of the Black Country Festival this free event will be open for people of all ages and everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy an inclusive fun day of entertainment.”

Meanwhile, the rainbow flag will be raised in Dudley to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

Flags will be raised at Dudley Council and Dudley Castle at noon today (Friday May 17).

This day is part of a global campaign celebrating the diversity of communities and it aims to raise awareness about the ongoing discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex people.

Road closures will be in place for Dudley Pride in Tower Street and Stone Street from the junction with Priory Street and up to the junction at Union Street.