The town has been painted with rainbow colours in support of this year’s Furness Pride event.

Covid-19 restrictions has forced Barrow’s second Furness Pride to be virtual once again this year, however, this hasn’t deterred an outpouring of support for the LGBTQ+ event.

Drop Zone Youth Crew’s Furness Pride inaugural event took place last year following calls from the LGBTQ+ youth group for an annual event promoting pride inclusivity.

The event, which was supposed to take place in Barrow town centre on Saturday, was ran virtually instead, with a host of fun-filled activities running online.

Hayley Preston, Barrow Borough Councillor and lead member for equality, diversity and inclusion, praised the community support behind the event.

She said: “I got involved last year when the event was supposed to be our inaugural Furness Pride but it had to be ran virtually.

“The LGBTQ+ youth group wanted a pride event so we organised an event which would promote inclusivity in the community.

“Due to Covid-19 this year’s event has had to be held virtually too but we have loads of exciting things happening like drag race performances and YouTube videos.

“We’ve had fantastic support from the community.

“We can’t wait until we can finally celebrate our inaugural event outside.”

Cllr Preston has also been busy making yarn bombs in support of the event.

“We set up a sewing group during Covid as a way to keep connected and decided to make some yarn bombs to put on top of postboxes as a way to promote Furness Pride," she added.

“We’ve put up rainbow flags and set up a stall at the market to promote the event and add a bit of sparkle to Barrow.”