ONE of Yorkshire’s biggest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender events returns to Huddersfield this weekend.

The Pink Picnic, the UK’s longest established gay pride event, will set up camp at Moor End Farm, off Blackmoorfoot Road, South Crosland, on Sunday.

The event, sponsored by Kirklees Council, West Yorkshire Fire Service and West Yorkshire Police, includes sets by Euro-dance singers Kelly Llorenna who had a hit with club classic Tell It To My Heart and Lianne King.

Other performers include Cher tribute act Tania Alboni, Madonna tribute act Lisa McCheyne, Erasure tribute act Erase’d, boy band Tucker and drag acts Bears Aloud and Collar ‘n’ Cuff from Leeds.

The day, compered by MarkyMark, includes a beer tent provided by The Greyhound pub on Manchester Road and information stalls.

Kirklees Council leader Mehboob Khan will open the event.

Entry is free but donations are expected which will go towards future Pink Picnics and The Brunswick Centre, an HIV charity for people in Kirklees and Calderdale.

Pink Picnic committee chairman Stephen Bond said: “We have a larger field so we can have more people. We’re hoping this will be a bigger event.

“Due to a change in licensing laws you can’t bring your own alcohol but there will be a tent selling alcohol at bar prices.

“It’s an event for LGBT people, their friends and family. It’s an open door to celebrate our diversity. It’s the country’s longest-running gay pride event and we’re very proud of that.

“We get people coming from around the country – Manchester, Blackpool and down south. It’s often people who have lived in Huddersfield and have come back.”

The Greyhound will run a shuttle bus to and from the event for £1 each way.

For more information visit www.huddersfieldpinkpicnic.co.uk.

The Pink Picnic will celebrate its silver anniversary next year.

Interested sponsors should contact Stephen on: 07789 776609.