Oxford’s Pride event that attracts 5,000 revellers each summer is planning a major celebration this year to mark its 10th anniversary.

The event is a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life in Oxfordshire and planning for the party has been taking place since October.

This year’s event will be held between Friday, June 8 and Sunday, June 17, with the main parade on Saturday, June 16.

The parade usually culminates in a party on Oxpens Field,beside the ice rink, but this year there are hopes to recreate its first day back in 2002 with a street party in Paradise Street and the surrounding area of the city centre.

Chair of Oxford Pride Group Cheryl Briggs said the annual event has helped changed attitudes over the past decade.

She said: “Oxford is a very diverse city. There has definitely been a change in attitudes and it is now a lot more acceptable to be gay.

“For example, both universities now have diversity and LGBT sections.

“People are more likely to be out in their work place and to their landlords than they used to be.

“They also feel more free to go to the police now if they need to.”

Oxford Pride began life as a street party in Paradise Street to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.

In its early days there were fears of homophobic troublemakers, but the event is now part of a city-wide celebration which attracts nearly 5,000 people of all sexual orientations.

Ms Briggs said: “The event is obviously bigger now but it has also become a family event.

“Straight people used to feel a little bit uncomfortable going to Oxford Pride but not any more.

“Last year the response was really positive, with shoppers coming out and cheering as the parade went by.”

This year’s theme will be The Wizard of Oz.

Ms Briggs said: “I am looking forward to this year’s festival.

“We will be following in the tradition of being a free event for the whole family and community.”