rows in rainbow colors gathered for the 50th anniversary of the UK’s first Pride parade.
Celebrations wearing face paint, glitter, jewelery and glitter will take part in Pride in London on Saturday – also the first since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Floats lined Park Lane before the main march through the capital.
More than a million people are expected to flock to the city for the parade and accompanying celebrations.
As part of what the organizers call the “biggest and most inclusive event in history”, there will be a series of artists performing across four stages around central London.
Singer Emeli Sande, who appeared in public in April, is among those on the entertainment bill.
She posted a story on her Instagram showing her and her partner, classical pianist Yoana Karemova, on their way to sound testing, and later in Trafalgar Square, where preparations were underway for the day’s musical extravagance.
This year’s parade, from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall, pays homage to the original 1972 march.
More than 600 LGBT + community groups are joining the march, which will bypass key areas of the UK’s first LGBT + movement.
Mohammed Nazir (24) from Bangladesh, of the campaign group Rainbows Across Borders, said he wanted to dedicate this year’s pride to those who are forced to still hide their sexuality.
He told the PA news agency: “Pride is about self-affirmation, dignity and equality. It’s a way to meet other LGBTQ people. Pride is a movement where we still fight for our rights. ”
Pop star Ava Max will close the show on Trafalgar Square stage, while other artists will include Eurovision winner Netta, Samantha Mumba and Kat Graham.
All proceeds from commercial partnerships are reinvested in the LGBT + community, as provided by the Unity Fund, organizers said.
The Unity Fund aims to build stronger communities by providing one-off grants to grassroots organizations, addressing the needs of the UK’s LGBT + community.
Meanwhile, public health officials have urged people not to attend Pride events if they have monkey pox symptoms or feel unwell.
As of Thursday, there were 1,235 confirmed cases in the UK.
Wendi Shepherd, director of monkey pox incident at UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “Our investigations and information of confirmed cases still show that the vast majority of cases are in gay, bisexual or other men having sex with men.
“Let’s enjoy Pride safely this weekend. Before going to any events or parties, check yourself for blistering spots and rashes.
“Please do not attend if you have monkey pox symptoms or feel unwell. If you have a rash or blisters, stay home, call a sexual health clinic and get tested. ”