York became a giant moving rainbow today as York Pride brought a message of love and togetherness to the city’s streets.
Thousands of people took part in what felt like the biggest parade yet.
Starting for the first time in Parliament Street, and led once again by the open-top bus, the spectacular cavalcade of colour took a full 35 minutes to pass by.
Video – the York Pride parade
Some wore rainbow umbrella hats to protect them from the occasional shower. But spirits were defiantly undampened as people danced, smiled and hugged their way through the day.
There were no fewer than two mayors taking part – the new Lord Mayor of York, Martin Rowley, and the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith.
David told us what Pride meant for him. “It means everything.
“It’s about bringing people together. York is an inclusive city. It’s where people should feel safe, feel happy, feel involved.
“York does this incredibly well. You can see how many people are here. It’s a great chance for people to come together, to express themselves and be happy.”
Jay, who’s originally from Vancouver in Canada, was taking part in her sixth York Pride. She told us: “Pride means family. It means family and friendship and relationships – and people who will love me for who I am, regardless of who I am.”
Amy put it this way: “Pride is about equality and individuality. Accepting everybody for who they are, because we’re all human at the end of the day.”
Jake Furby, of the York LGBT Forum, said: “It means hope, inclusivity and a better world. This is my sixteenth York Pride, and I’m so pleased we’ve got the York Trans Pride as part of York Pride this year.”
The parade then wended its way to Knavesmire for an afternoon of fabulous music and fun.
