Pride London – Thousands hit the streets for colourful parade celebrating LGBT rights
Aletha Adu
Aletha Adu
THOUSANDS have took to the streets to celebrate LGBT rights in London's biggest and most diverse Pride yet.
This year's event marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising in New York, a turning point in the modern gay rights movement.
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Members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community (LGBT) and their supporters gather in central London for the annual Pride paradeCredit: Alamy Live News
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Oxford Street covered with a rainbow flag for the opening of the ParadeCredit: Alamy Live News
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Concert goers at the stage in Trafalgar square during PrideCredit: Getty - Contributor
At least 30,000 people from 600 groups have joined the parade, cheering and waving their rainbow flags.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the "heartbreaking" pictures of a bloodied lesbian couple attacked on a night bus showed the importance of Pride as he launched the parade.
Mr Khan said the "huge, huge progress" in gay rights should be celebrated, but added "we must never be complacent".
This parade is aiming to champion diversity, with the introduction of a new World Area at Golden Square in Soho.
Organisers hoped it will to increase the visibility of black, Asian and minority ethnic (Bame) LGBT+ people.
Hundreds of officers will police the parade, and Scotland Yard has advised people to stay vigilant while enjoying the day.
The parade will begin at midday from Portland Place and finish on Whitehall.
Commander Helen Millichap said: "We want Pride to be a friendly and safe event for everyone to enjoy.
"We need the public to help us by taking the usual precautions by remaining vigilant and reporting anything of concern to police officers or stewards at the event."
"As with any large event, the Met's priority is public safety and we are working closely with the organisers in the lead-up to Pride to develop our policing plan".
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Sir Ian McKellen joining the party in London this afternoonCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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At least 30,000 people from 600 groups joined the parade in central LondonCredit: AFP or licensors
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James Haskell and Chloe Madeley taking a selfie in front of the crowdCredit: Rex Features
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A reveller during the Pride in London ParadeCredit: PA:Press Association
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A poodle taking an interest in a man dressed as a dog during the parade todayCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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And that wasn't the only dog mask donned during the celebrationsCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Made in Chelsea star Lucy Watson outside the Admiral Duncan pub in SohoCredit: Instagram
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Mayor Of London Sadiq Khan was at the celebrations and gave high fives to the the revellersCredit: Alamy Live News
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And Khan was snapped taking a selfie with revellersCredit: Rex Features
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Tens of thousands of visitors, many wearing eye-catching costumes, gather to watch and take part in the annual Pride in London ParadeCredit: Alamy Live News
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Polices wore special Pride badges on their uniformCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust of staff members celebrating the NHS rainbow badge schemeCredit: PA:Press Association
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A reveller dances in the streets of LondonCredit: PA:Press Association
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Participants take part in the Pride in London parade as it passes through Regent StreetCredit: Rex Features
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Organisers said as many as 1.5 million people turned out for the eventCredit: AFP or licensors
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Bikers take part in the Pride in London parade as it passes through Regent StreetCredit: Rex Features
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Hundreds of officers will police the parade as Pride London celebrates 50 yearsCredit: Alamy Live News
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Supporters wearing rainbow coloured tops celebrate at Trafalgar SquareCredit: Alamy Live News
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Parade goers in Piccadilly Circus during PrideCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Members of the GBMCC, Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club during PrideCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Revellers celebrate in the streets of WestminsterCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Reveller Joseph Canestrala, 28, during the Pride in London Parade in central LondonCredit: PA:Press Association
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The 2019 Pride in London Parade passes through Piccadilly CircusCredit: Rex Features
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