PLANS are gathering pace for the UK’s first Diversity Ball which will be held at Chester Cathedral in May 2020.

Volunteers are already stepping forward to be fashion show models, stewards and helpers for the 1,400-capacity event, which it is hoped will become a popular annual event in the city’s social calendar.

Organiser Joel Josephson was inspired by the success of the world’s first diversity ball in Vienna and its principles of equality and inclusiveness, irrespective of ethnicity, sexual orientation and ability/disability, and he now believes Chester will stage a similar colourful celebration of diversity.

"It’s a signature event," he said. "We are standing up and making a statement. No matter who we are, we are all human beings and all command the same equality and the same respect. We are saying that this city welcomes everybody.

"Our slogan is Chester: A city of walls without barriers.

"We have the backing of so many elements in the city, the university, our MP, the council, police, the chamber of commerce, the Duke of Westminster’s office, everybody is welcoming the idea and everyone is welcome to attend."

The Chester Diversity Ball (a registered charity) is using the entire cathedral for the event with dancing, music stages, light shows, sign-language singing and a diversity fashion show organised by the University of Chester alongside food and drinks stalls.

Mr Josephson added: "We are delighted the cathedral has given us the go-ahead. We wanted the grandest venue available and the cathedral has the essential requirement of easy access for all.

"We either all go in together or we don’t go in at all, that’s crucial to the whole idea."

Surplus funds from the ball are expected to be used to back institutions that help integrate the community.

Volunteers are still needed to make this huge event a success. Register interest at diversityball.co.uk.

The Diversity Ball will be held on May 22. Tickets for this over-18 event go on sale in the new year.