THE dates for the next edition of Isle of Wight Pride – one of the biggest events on the local calendar – have been announced.

Due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’, organisers have had to move the event back a week.

Pride weekend will now be held between July 19 and 21 next year.

“We are very excited to announce we will return to Ryde beach,” said a spokesperson for the event.

“We have some exciting plans for 2024 so watch this space for future announcements, including news about the Isle of Wight Pride Christmas Party.”

The three-day event was postponed from July 15 to August 18 this year due to a poor weather forecast.

A month later than expected, festivities got underway with the Pride Launch Party, featuring Cherry Liquor and Dawn the Drag Queen, plus DJ host, Boom Party Life.

On Saturday, the Pride Parade started at noon from Ryde School, travelling through the town onto the Esplanade and Pride Community Village at Eastern Gardens.

The party continued in Eastern Gardens on the Sunday for IW Pride Plus, with plenty of stalls, food, drink, unicorns, tributes, dancers, singers, burlesque, cocktails, drag and a ‘Promise to Love Ceremony’.