The festival - which celebrates the LGBTIQ+ community and promotes diversity and inclusion - will run from March 12 to 28 this year.

Event director John Richards said while a number of 2021 events have been cancelled due to restrictions, he was excited the PRIDE festival could go ahead.

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"Obviously the biggest thing that has changed is the capacity," Mr Richards said. "A venue that might have had 90 people last year will have a much smaller crowd.

"We even have events that are just for five people. We still thought it was worth going ahead because people need contact and community.

"It was just about finding the way to do it safely. We found we could still make it work in an intimate fashion."

The 2021 festival features a number of events, including the Heart VR performance, a mine tour, and panel discussions.

Read more: Bendigo Pride Festival organisers announce 2021 event dates

Mr Richards said he was particularly excited for the Faith and Pride: Religion and Homosexuality event on March 14.

"A gay priest and a gay iman are going to interview each other," Mr Richards said. "It will be interesting to discuss how religion and homosexuality can exist together for people of faith.

"But I love the range of this program. There's so much happening and there is something for everyone."

Mr Richards said some events would be free, while others would have a small cost.

He encouraged everyone to check out the program list at bendigopridefestival.com.au/events/

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