VOLUNTEERS are sought for this year's Isle of Wight Pride.

The popular event is planning to hold a parade, community village and activities on Saturday, July 16.

However, along with many organisations that rely on volunteers to function, the impact of the Covid pandemic has seen a decline in people coming forward to get involved.

To rekindle interest and welcome new volunteers, IW Pride is holding a drop-in session for anyone interested in helping out.

Discover the plans for 2022 and find out how to take part in the event and the build-up to it.

Trustees and supporters will be on hand to answer questions and talk about opportunities.

Everyone is welcome, from within the LGBTQIA+ community or allies.

• Read more: Beer and Buses folds due to lack of volunteers

Whatever skills you have, all help is appreciated, from rattling a bucket to organising the event, performing to site decoration.

Laura Fraser, trustee, said: “Besides health and wellbeing, the last two years has changed many people’s lives, like their priorities in life and work life balance.

“The response to support each other during the last couple of years has been phenomenal with helping those in isolation and at vaccination centres.

"However, we are now seeing a major impact in people coming forward to volunteer.

“Being part of Team Pride promises to be a rewarding experience for everyone and offers some amazing opportunities.

"Every offer of help counts, and IW Pride can help find a role to be part of an amazing event for the Island and many visitors.”

The drop-in session is on Friday, February 25, at the Riverside Centre in Newport from 12.30pm to 6.30pm.

Anyone unable to drop-in on the day is invited to email info@iwpride.org for further information.