(CTN News) – This year’s Pride Parade in London featured giant peacock floats, motorbike formations, and martial arts exhibitions, all set to thumping pop music.
Attendees in the colorful procession donned everything from carnival costumes to gym attire, and thousands lined the streets from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square to cheer them on as a large rainbow Pride flag was carried through downtown London.
Pride in London, a non-profit organization, organized the event, which drew over 500 LGBTQ+ community groups and companies and over 32,000 attendees.
The procession began about midday, with Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, leading alongside his wife, Saadiya Khan.
BBC London reporter Gopal Virdee was in the audience during the procession and reported that music was blasting from the parade floats in “what appears to be a battle of which float can play the loudest.”
He noted that individuals were dressed in “the most colorful and creative costumes” and that floats were decorated with various themes, including a peacock with rainbow feathers.
Sapphic Riders, a lesbian motorcycle club, was among the groups at the parade’s front, riding small bikes and cruisers in formation.
Pumper, a club member, told BBC London that they attend Pride every year for “visibility” and inclusivity, adding, “We are London, we are UK born and bred, and we are thrilled to be a part of Pride.”
“Everyone’s happy, everyone’s just joyous to be here.”
Among the colorful and quirky floats was a movable mini basketball court operated by London Knights, an inclusive LGBTQIA+ basketball organization.
Wilson, a member of the team, told BBC London that attending the Pride Parade was vital for the club’s “awareness” and representation in a sport plagued by bigotry and misogyny.
“Everybody should be able to play the sport that they love and in an environment where it feels safe, comfortable and welcome,” according to him.
“We just want to make people aware that we are just like any other person, we’re here to have fun.”
Marchers from Queers for Palestine marched down Piccadilly, yelling, “there is no pride in genocide”.
The 50-person group carried placards accusing Israel of genocide and decrying “pinkwashing” – the notion that Israel maintains a progressive stance on LGBT rights to improve its worldwide brand.
We have contacted the Israeli embassy for a comment.
When asked why she wanted to join the group, one female marcher who did not want to be recognized replied, “Free Palestine.”
Arman Khan, who declined to reveal their age, waved a large flag and declared their opposition to pinkwashing.
When asked what they thought of allegations that Queers For Palestine ignores the limited LGBT rights in Palestinian society, they stated, “I can’t speak because I’m not from there, but you have to be in a privileged position to ask that question.”
They stated that the ensemble was receiving a great reception from the crowd.
Tahir Kesai, a 50-year-old property professional, said, “We decided to march because we believe it is necessary to be here. We are too passionate about this cause to not take part.
Mr. Khan commented: “I’m delighted that London’s diverse LGBTQI+ communities and allies are once again joining together in the heart of our capital for our world-renowned Pride celebrations and march of solidarity.”
Andrew Boff, a Conservative London Assembly member, and Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, an air quality activist, accompanied the mayor.
Some of those there were there for the first time, such as Becky, who told BBC London: “I’ve always supported others but never truly participated myself.
“I’m marching to demonstrate diversity and that we are not being marginalized.
“[I’m looking forward to] the friendship, people not judging you for who you are and just having a good party.”
Transport for London has warned of potential disruption and Tube station closures during the event.
Participants were advised to arrive at Bond Street, Hyde Park Corner, or Marble Arch stations, while customers who wanted to watch the parade or attend events in Trafalgar Square or Soho should arrive at Bond Street, Charing Cross, Embankment, Tottenham Court Road, Victoria, or Westminster stations.
The parade began at lunchtime in Hyde Park and ended at Trafalgar Square, where live music, speeches, and performances took place.
There were additional stages across the city, including Soho Square, Leicester Square, and Victoria Embankment Gardens.
