The event is to take place on August 19 at Doncaster market and will be for both the gay and the transgender communities.

Organiser Rennie Brown, chair of the Doncaster Partnership Against Homophobia and Transphobia, said: "It's the first festival of this type anywhere in South Yorkshire. We're basing it on events like London Pride - the only difference is we won't be having a parade, because the community don't feel confident enough to have one.

"It's certainly going to be the biggest open air festival the county's ever seen."

Entertainment will be provided by a six-hour stage show, presented by local entertainer Reece Lighting and several surprise guests are promised by the organisers: "There will be some pretty big names up there on the stage," Reece said.

Ms Brown added: "As well as the entertainment we'll be having a rainbow market, with stalls from organisations all over South Yorkshire and we'll also be having entertainment for all ages - many single-sex couples have children, so there will be things like face-painting, stilt walkers and jugglers."

Doncaster Council's cabinet member for Human Rights, Equalities and Culture, Councillor Glyn Jones, said: "We are delighted that the first ever South Yorkshire Gay/Trans Pride festival is to be staged here in Doncaster, offering a unique opportunity for the entire lesbian gay bisexual and transgender community to gather collectively, with the wider community and celebrate in style.

"Similar events have been hosted across the country and internationally for many years, so this is a fantastic achievement for the Borough.

"The level of support given to this event by local organisations clearly shows a demonstration of professionalism in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within all communities, as well as recognition of the positive contributions and changes that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people make to society - and in particular - to Doncaster."