OXFORD Pride festivities will kick off with a celebration of the iconic rainbow flag.

The annual event, which this year will take the form of a 10-day arts and culture festival, will be launched tonight with parties at the Jam Factory and The Plush Lounge.

Festivities will coincide with a celebration of the rainbow flag’s 35th anniversary as a symbol for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

The six-colour flag was first used in the fight for equality in 1978 by civil rights activist Gilbert Baker.

Oxford Pride co-ordinator Mazz Image said: “It’s important for us to be able to fly this flag and come out and march because there are so many countries where that still isn’t possible.”

For full Oxford Pride events listings visit oxford-pride.org.uk