OXFORD’S annual festival of all things gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered is set to start on Friday.

This year, Oxford Pride will be a 10-day festival – culminating in a colourful parade through the city centre on Saturday, June 12.

The theme for the event is 2010: A Proud Odyssey, and as well as the main event, there will be a panel debate, themed walks, and other activities.

Oxford Pride director Mazz Image said: “We encourage everyone to come out to celebrate the diversity of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer life in Oxford.

“The theme, 2010: A Proud Odyssey, brings in a space idea so we are hoping people will have some fun with that.

“We are hoping for a nice, sunny day because last year there was a bit of drizzle.

“We’d like to see lots of people out in colourful costumes.”

The launch, at the Oxford Castle roof garden, will feature speeches and entertainment.

The event is open to invited guests and members of the public, who can buy tickets at oxfordpride.org.uk or on the door if they mention the Oxford Mail.

The June 12 parade will take a new route this year, starting in Cornmarket Street at noon, going through Carfax and Queen Street to the castle, and down to Oxpens Field, where there will be entertainment until 8pm.

Ms Image said: “We’ve got boys, girls, drag queens, groups, singing, dancing and local talent.

“Horns of Plenty will be leading the parade again which should be great fun.”

About 200 people are expected to take part in the parade, and up to 5,000 will be involved in the event at Oxpens, with hundreds more taking part in various events throughout the week.

At Oxpens, there will be prizes on offer for the best individual costume, best dressed couple and best group, along with a dog show where the cutest and butchest dogs will be selected.

New for this year will be a blind banger tasting at The Big Bang restaurant in Walton Street, with vegetarian options.

Volunteers are welcome to help out with events – anyone interested should get in touch either via the website, by emailing enjoy@oxfordpride.org.uk or by calling Ms Image on 07875 515499.

People wishing to join the parade can register in advance at the same number or by emailing parade@oxfordpride.org.uk They can also just turn up.

fbardsley@oxfordmail.co.uk