MORE people attended this year's Furness Pride than ever before, organisers have revealed.

Drop Zone Youth Projects' Furness Pride returned for its third in-person event on Saturday, May 25.

This is the fifth edition of the event but only the third time it has taken to the streets of the town as in 2020 and 2021 the event took place online due to the pandemic.

"We have had lots of positive feedback in terms of how the event was set out, performers, stalls and activities for families to engage with," said the organiser Cath Corkill.

READ MORE: Pictures: Furness Pride adds splash of colour to streets of town

The event began with a parade through the town centre and market at 11am led by Boom Dang.

The sun was shining on event-goers who turned up to show their support for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Education was the theme of this year's Pride which was hosted by the local Drag Queen Nova.

Cath added: "Our Pride is for all our communities which is crucial for Furness and with a strong educational theme running through it we hope that everyone is accepting and treats everybody with the respect they deserve.

"The support has grown which again is really positive and as a whole Barrow is really inclusive."

As part of the celebrations, more than 10 performances took the stage including local artists and RuPaul's Drag Race star Divina de Campo. 

Furness Pride was the first of three Pride festivals scheduled across south Cumbria. Kendal Pride is set to take place from  June 14-16 followed by the inaugural Ulverston Pride on July 20.

"It's really positive that Ulverston and Kendal have Prides alongside Cumbria Pride which is celebrating 15 years this year," said Cath.

"I have linked in with all the organisers so there's a good support network there."