Thousands cheer on annual Pride parade in London

Thousands of people gathered in London to celebrate the annual Pride parade, a vibrant event filled with colorful floats, loud music, and a variety of creative costumes. The parade route stretched from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square, with crowds lining the streets to cheer on the participants. A giant rainbow Pride flag was carried through the city, adding to the festive atmosphere. Organized by the not-for-profit group Pride in London, the event saw participation from around 500 LGBTQ+ community groups and businesses, totaling more than 32,000 people. The parade kicked off at midday, led by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and his wife, Saadiya Khan.

One of the standout groups in the parade was Sapphic Riders, a lesbian motorcycle club that rode in a formation of small bikes and cruisers. Pumper, a club member, explained that they attend Pride every year for visibility and inclusivity. 'We are London, we are UK born and bred, and we are thrilled to be a part of Pride,' she said. 'Everyone's happy, everyone's just joyous to be here. ' Another notable float was a mobile mini basketball court created by the London Knights, an inclusive LGBTQIA+ basketball club. Wilson, a team member, emphasized the importance of their presence at the parade to raise awareness and represent themselves in a sport that struggles with homophobia and misogyny. 'Everybody should be able to play the sport they love in an environment that feels safe, comfortable, and welcoming,' he added.

The parade also featured a group called Queers for Palestine, who marched down Piccadilly chanting 'there is no pride in genocide. ' They carried posters accusing Israel of genocide and condemning 'pinkwashing,' the practice of using gay rights to improve international reputation. The group received a positive response from the crowd. The parade concluded at Trafalgar Square, where attendees enjoyed live music, speeches, and performances. Additional stages were set up around the city, including Soho Square, Leicester Square, and Victoria Embankment Gardens. The Metropolitan Police reported the arrest of 33 individuals on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance. Hundreds of officers were deployed to ensure the safety of the event, with an additional 75 Met LGBT+ network officers and staff participating in the parade.