Toronto’s gay pride festival is one of the largest cultural events in Canada, and attracts up to a million visitors every year. There really is something for everyone at this pride event, beyond the boozing and boy-chasing. Events kick off at the official launch party on Friday 19th June, the perfect chance to get to know people and get into the mood to celebrate.

In keeping with an event that has a strong historic and cultural aspect, there is a flag raising ceremony at City Hall on Monday 22nd, followed by a Queer Human Rights film screening to educate, entertain and inspire gay revellers.

On Wednesday, the 5th Annual Pride Toronto Awards gala dinner takes place to recognise the achievements and commitment of the LGBT community. Individuals are awarded for arts and culture, human rights work, spirituality, science, medicine and technology, sports, youth leadership and lifetime achievement, and looks to be an uplifting evening.

Saturday 27th brings the annual Dyke March. Rather than a parade, this is more of a political demonstration to illustrate the solidarity and visibility of queer and transgender women, and so has a more serious vibe to it than the general parade.

There is a strong youth contingent to Toronto Pride, which organises and supports young LGBT people who want to contribute to the week’s events. Youth Pride also takes part in the Dyke March and the main Parade, helping to include gay youth and show solidarity.

The main parade takes place on Sunday 28th June, and has been described as one of the world’s largest and best. With music, colour, costumes and thousands of participants, it’s enough to keep anyone entertained and inspired.

Over the weekend of 27th-28th, Toronto Pride features Family Pride, an area on Church Street that provides various family friendly activities and workshops to keep the kids amused and involve them in the gay culture of their parents. There is so much going on here even the grown-ups can enjoy it, with the annual LGBT Parenting Network picnic, music, mask making, face painting, a mini-train, clowns making balloon animals, a water play area and a soft play area too.

Continuing on the arts and culture theme, Toronto Pride includes a cutting edge arts festival, which takes place over 20 blocks with 8 stages for the week. It is completely free to attend, and offers art, drama and music from the likes of The Parachute Club, uh huh her and Mel C, who all performed last year.

As well as the entertainment side, there’s also the street fair on 27th-28th, where you buy crafted gifts, discounted retailer goods and get involved in community organisations.

Naturally, there are a number of parties and unofficial gatherings all week, and a stroll around central Toronto provides plenty of options for all-night dancing, but for those who wish to stay sober, Toronto Pride offers the FreeZone. This is a space completely free from alcohol or drugs, but far from being dull and depressing, the area, open on 27th and 28th, has a DJ and stage with live performances of its own.