hundreds of people lined the streets of Belfast like that of the city Pride parade returned for the first time in three years.
Organizers said the Pride parade was the largest ever held in Belfast, with the number of groups taking part in the colorful procession significantly higher than the last staging in 2019.
The theme of the event was ‘community united in diversity’ and a group of asylum seekers and refugees who have made Belfast their home were invited to lead the vociferous march on its route through the city centre.
The parade was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Three years ago, 135 groups signed up to participate in the parade.
This year, organizers had to close the application window early after 200 group registrations were received.
There was a carnival atmosphere in the city center as the rain held off until the end of the parade.
Officers from the PSNI and Garda took part in the parade and marched alongside representatives of GB forces including South Wales, West Mercia, Derbyshire and the British Transport Police.
Ulster Rugby also took part this year, with fly half Ian Madigan among those parading through the city. Players from the Belfast Azlans, a predominantly gay rugby club, also took part in the parade.
The GAA was also well represented, with Ulster GAA and several clubs including East Belfast GAA.
Belfast Pride Festival co-chair Cara McCann said pent-up excitement was a factor in the large numbers taking part in the parade’s return.
“People tired of sitting at home for the past few years and I think that’s why we increased the number today,” she said.
“But I also think Pride has increased overall and people just want to participate in it.”
Ms. McCann said it was remarkable how much the event had grown in three decades.
“I think the first short dander was over 30 years ago with less than 100 people in that little walk and in those moments it was really nerve-wracking to do, and it was very, very brave for the people who came before us for that. very first Pride.
“It’s grown globally, but it’s also grown locally to a massive size.”
A gay marriage ban was lifted in Northern Ireland in early 2020, just before the pandemic hit, so Saturday’s Pride parade was the first in the city since that historic change in law.
Festival co-chair John O’Doherty said the event was a belated chance to celebrate.
“We’re very excited to have the opportunity to celebrate the introduction of equal marriage, something we haven’t been able to do in the past three years,” he said.
“So there is so much to celebrate today.
“But there’s also a lot of campaigning we still need to do to make sure we have full equality for our community.”
A small group of religious protesters demonstrated against the Pride event outside Belfast City Hall as the parade passed.