Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Thousands attend London Pride as mayor Sadiq Khan leads the colourful parade

An estimated 32,000 people took part in the procession with events ongoing in Soho

Holly Evans
Saturday 29 June 2024 17:45 EDT
Comments
The event culminated in a mass gathering at Trafalgar Square
The event culminated in a mass gathering at Trafalgar Square (Tim Anderson/PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Hundreds of thousands have gathered in the capital for London’s annual Pride parade, with the capital centre decked in rainbows to celebrate the event.

Crowds lined the streets from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square to watch the floats pass by, with dancers, martial arts performers and party buses taking part.

An estimated 500 LGBTQ+ community groups and businesses took part in the parade, comprising more than 32,000 people, while stages and street acts filled the streets of Soho.

Myriad groups were represented at the event
Myriad groups were represented at the event (Tim Anderson/PA)
People take part in the Pride in London parade
People take part in the Pride in London parade (Tim Anderson/PA)

Setting off at midday on Saturday afternoon, London mayor Sadiq Khan was at the front of the parade alongside his wife, Saadiya Khan. The mayor was joined by Andrew Boff, a Conservative London Assembly member, and air quality campaigner Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah.

Among the myriad groups represented on the parade were Tesco workers, a marching band who treated crowds to a popular brass version of “Toxic” by Britney Spears, and Ishigaki JuJitsu, the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ martial arts club.

As the parade went down Piccadilly, spectators and participants danced and sang to loud pop music being pumped out of a Heart Radio float.

Mr Khan said in a statement: “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.

“Pride is one of the highlights of my year and it is an honour to have been on every march since I was first elected as mayor in 2016.

A cardboard figure of Jesus Christ holds a sign, ‘I’m sorry about them’, pointing toward Christian protesters
A cardboard figure of Jesus Christ holds a sign, ‘I’m sorry about them’, pointing toward Christian protesters (Tim Anderson/PA)

“This incredible event is a shining light for LGBTQI+ rights and shows why our city is a beacon for openness and inclusion – a place where you are embraced and celebrated for who you are. Our capital’s LGBTQI+ communities make a huge contribution to life in London.

“There is, however, still work to be done to achieve true equality, and as a proud ally, I’ll continue to stand side by side with our capital’s LGBTQI+ communities as we work to build a better London for all.”

Bikers also took to the streets for the parade
Bikers also took to the streets for the parade (Tim Anderson/PA)

Among those on the march were the group Queers for Palestine, who walked down Piccadilly chanting “There is no pride in genocide”.

The 50-person group held posters accusing Israel of genocide and condemning “pinkwashing” – the accusation that Israel takes a progressive position on gay rights to improve its international reputation.

Also in attendence were a small group of Christian counter-protesters who gathered alongside the Pride parade reciting religious sermons criticising the march.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in