Burnaby Pride Festival returns this Saturday

Get ready to celebrate inclusion and diversity at this year’s Burnaby Pride Festival

This year’s Burnaby Pride Festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. on July 22 at Civic Square, outside the Bob Prittie Metrotown library

It’s the sixth year for Burnaby Pride, which celebrates the city’sTwo-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual/aromantic, plus (2SLGBTQIA+) residents

The free, open-to-all event will feature a diverse lineup of live music, comedy, drag performers, interactive booths, activities and more.

The drag segment will run from 5 to 6 p.m. and feature performers Batty Banks, King Fisher and Bongganisa.

Musical acts will include Fallen Stars, IAMREBELWILL and Parlour Panther.

“We’ve got a lot of new performers this year,” said Burnaby Pride chair Athena Affan.

Among the new acts is a mother-daughter duo Affan is “really excited about,” but she wouldn’t say much more for fear of spoiling the surprise

Performances on the main stage will run from 1 to 6 p.m.

Before the street festivities, the day gets started with a special Burnaby Lake birding session for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at 9 a m and a Pride Move & Groove outdoor Zumba class at 11 a m

AYouth Pride movie night is also set for next Friday, July 28, with a screening of Love Simon for teens aged 13 to 18

You can find a full festival schedule and more information, including sign-up details for the special events, at the Pride website, www.burnabypride.com.