In its third year, PrideFEST 2017 is gearing up for a colourful day in celebration of the South West’s LGBTIQ community.

To be held at the Graham Bricknell Memorial Music Shell from 3pm on Saturday, the event will feature a variety of entertainment with a number of bands, drag acts, market stalls, food trucks, a bouncy castle, a photo booth and information stalls.

Aiming to show support for the diversity of regional towns, especially in the climate of debate over marriage equality, festival organiser Helen Robinson said the day would applaud the strength of the LGBTIQ community and acknowledge the efforts of the South West society in encouraging inclusion.

“The LGBTIQ community have had a particularly tough year facing homophobia and the concerning plebiscite so we are going to celebrate and uphold them,” she said.

“It is a family-friendly event so everyone is welcome.”

With a big number of people expected to attend, all the money raised on the day will go towards the LGBTIQ regional support centre Out South West.

Following on from this major event, Ms Robinson said the community could look forward to other pride events on the South West calendar such as a sundowner at the Bayview Bar on November 17 and a breakfast with Wentworth television show’s Daniielle Alexis at the Burlington Hotel on November 25.