POOLE Pride is set to welcome residents at the Lighthouse as the entertainment begins to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

This year, The Dolphin Poole will be collaborating with Lighthouse to bring the festivities to Poole Pride.

Poole Pride is all about a community coming together for a full day of vibrant entertainment.

Throughout the day there will be cabaret, theatre performances, exhibitions and even a dog show parade.

The Proud Pooches Dog Show parade will occur at 2.30pm throughout The Dolphin before the main show at 4pm.

BBC Presenter Chris Jarvis will present the Proud Pooches Dog Show at Lighthouse.

The event, sponsored by Marshalls Pet Store will feature a doggy disco, fashion show, and doppelgangers competition.

John Grinnell, centre manager of The Dolphin Poole, said: “Celebrating our town’s diversity has always been at the heart of The Dolphin.

"Previously we’ve welcomed Space Youth Project and Body Positive Dorset to provide resources and support for the LGBTQ+ community during Pride month.

“This year, it is a privilege to be partnering with Lighthouse to deliver a varied and comprehensive programme of free events for the first official Poole Pride. All are welcome to come together and celebrate.”

Tim Colegate, head of programming at Lighthouse, said: “Poole Pride is a celebration of our wonderful community in all its beautiful identities so come as you are and join in the fun on 8th June.

"It's a pleasure to work with The Dolphin and other local businesses to create a special day of inclusivity that will put Poole firmly on the Pride map.”

Local artists will also host various sessions and performances at Lighthouse and The Dolphin throughout the day.

Entertainment includes Pop ‘n’ Olly Storytelling and Crafts, the Come On Out Cabaret and OutSpoken, a Pride poetry slam.

Free educational sessions from the Space Youth Project in GATHER at The Dolphin Poole will also be available on June 14, 19, 23 and 27.

Poole Pride takes place on June 8.

The full programme of activities for Poole Pride can be found on the Poole Pride website.