The Oxford Pride carnival of theatre, music and fun events will be opened by Dr Evan Harris MP next month.

Dr Harris, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, will officially open the festival at Oxpens Field, Oxpens Road, next to the ice rink, on July 16.

This year is the third time the city has had a Pride event to celebrate its gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender culture.

Dr Harris is honorary president of the Liberal Democrat Campaign for Lesbian and Gay Rights and vice-president of the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association.

He has a long-standing interest and campaigning record in anti-racism and refugee rights, has served on Oxford's local research ethics committee and is active in medical ethics and civil liberties issues.

He said: "The campaign for full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people has made real progress recently but there is still a way to go."

Last year's Oxford Pride included theatre, live music, a dog show and fun fair.

It also featured marriage-style commitment services and the crowning of Oxford's first 'drag king'.

The carnival is supported by Oxford City Council, Holiday Inn Oxford, The Brewery Gate, The Castle Tavern and The Jolly Farmers pubs.

Anyone who wants to find out more can contact Paul Stewart on 01869 250179 or 07851 615785, e-mail enquiry@oxfordpride.org.uk, or visit www.oxfordpride.org.uk