Gay Pride Parade Attracts Thousands

Thousands of people turned out to watch Belfast's annual Gay Pride parade in Belfast at the weekend.

The weather was bright and sunny for the Saturday parade and party in Custom House Square.

About 25,000 people either took part in the parade or lined the streets for the celebratory event, which aims for inclusion and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

Banners from unions, political parties and support groups for gay people were on show at the parade and music came from floats by several Belfast nightclubs.

This year’s fancy dress theme was 'Pride at Sea' and many participants were dressed in nautical costumes.

Fundraising volunteer Laura McKee told UTV: "A lot of people are asking why is there still the need for Pride, but until there's full equality in Northern Ireland, and indeed everywhere else, there is still a need."

The parade came at the end of a week of Pride activities, including the first attended by a DUP politician.

Belfast's Lord Mayor Gavin Robinson spoke on the panel of a Pride Talks Back discussion event on Tuesday evening.

A small group of Christians stood in opposition to Saturday's parade outside Belfast City Hall. They carried placards emblazoned with biblical verses.

Before the parade, Rev David McIlveen, the retired minister of Sandown Free Presbyterian, held a church service at the corner of North Street and Waring Street.

He said the service was a "gospel witness against the act of sodomy" and that this year was "particularly sensitive" due to the tensions over gay marriage.

(NE)