X FACTOR starlet Kitty Brucknell headlined the fifth annual Grimsby Pride extravaganza in Cleethorpes.
The controversial star, who appeared in series eight of the hit ITV show which was won by girl band Little Mix, wowed the crowds with a dazzling set at Meridian Park on Saturday.
Hundreds of people waved rainbow flags as they united to celebrate the local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.
Organiser Wayne Reece-Gorman, who is chair of Grimsby Pride, said: "There are so many bleak things in the news at the moment, both nationally and internationally, so an event like this is a great way to bring everybody together for something upbeat and positive.
"As well as educating people about equality and diversity, the festival is all about having a great time and being entertained.
"We pride ourselves on the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and it's great to see so many people here, whether they are part of the LGBT community, have relatives who are or simply want to have a great day out."
As well as the performance by "Queen Diva" Kitty – which included her version of Eurovision 2012 winner Noreen's hit, Euphoria – the main stage featured a variety of artists throughout the day.
Local stars Amy Naylor, Dean Garrod and Supernormals performed alongside up and coming national acts such as Projekt Weekend – who supported The Wanted on tour – R3action and crowd pleasers Bears Aloud.
Enjoying the entertainment with a picnic were Paul and Victoria Wilkins, of Grimsby, with their daughters, Zara, 7, and Eliza, 3, and Paul's mum, Sue Mitchell, 59.
Paul, 38, said: "There's always a really friendly atmosphere at these events and people are just enjoying themselves.
"I think it's important to bring the girls up to be open-minded and this is one way of encouraging that."
Victoria, 34, added: "The organisers always make sure that families are really welcome and there are lots of people with children having a great day out."
Other attractions at the event included fun fair rides, traditional fairground games, stalls, refreshments and the ever-popular beer tent.
Soaking up the atmosphere were friends and colleagues James Crute, 23, Patrick Jowett, 19, Lee Chaplin and Storme Eddowes, who all work at Lincolnshire Co-op, Newbridge Hill, Louth.
Manager Lee, 28, said: "Storme and I are gay and we brought the others along for the day out.
"It's a great event and it's all about people choosing to accept."
Storme, 25, said: "There's a really good atmosphere and everybody seems to be enjoying themselves."
"It's been a good laugh," added James.
Officially opening the event was the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Peggy Elliott.
She said: "This event has grown each year and is a symbol of unity for all sectors of the community.
"It is about time, in 2013, that we should all be able to live our lives the way we were born to do.
"Events such as Grimsby Pride are essential in providing education, guidance and support."
