This year’s Pride in London parade has taken over the capital with hundreds of thousands of people watching the colourful festivities.
Streets were turned into a sea of colour as the iconic LGBTQ+ event passed a string of landmarks in the capital.
Around 35,000 people have taken part in the march from Hyde Park to Whitehall.
We’ll tell you everything you need to know and bring you the best pictures as the event takes over the capital.
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Madonna is NOT coming to Pride, organisers say
Pop superstar Madonna will not be attending the Pride in London event today, organisers said.
There had been speculation that the 67-year-old singer was going to appear at the LGBT+ celebration in London’s Trafalgar Square.
Pride in London posted on social media: “In response to the rumours, we can confirm that Madonna will not be appearing or performing at Pride in London.
“We have two fantastic headliners at Trafalgar Square to conclude a brilliant day of protest and celebration.”
It is understood that there had been communication between organisers and Madonna but that she was never a confirmed attendee.
The rumours were partly fuelled by Madonna's past collaboration with this year's headliner MNEK, who worked with her on her thirteenth studio album, Rebel Heart (2015).He took part in writing sessions for the album and co-wrote the track "Hold Tight" alongside Madonna and three other writers. MNEK also contributed backing vocals and verses for the track "Living for Love".
Headliner MNEK hits Trafalgar Square
Pride revellers were ecstatic as Lewisham’s homegrown LGBTQ star MNEK took the main stage of Trafalgar Square.
MNEK is best known for his 2020 hit "Head 'n' Heart" alongside DJ Joel Corry, as well as his singles "The Rhythm" and "At Night (I Think About You)".
MNEK is also a studio regular with some of the biggest names in music, both as a producer and songwriter, and worked on Dua Lipa’s song "IDGAF" and Zara Larsson's "Never Forget You".
Beth Ditto takes to Trafalgar Square
Things are hotting up on the main stage of Pride in London, as Gossip lead singer Beth Ditto takes to the main stage. The vocal powerhouse is expected to wow crowds with her dance-punk hits "Standing in the Way of Control" and "Heavy Cross".
The Arkansas-born singer has long been a champion of LGBTQ rights and was previously married to her longtime friend and assistant Kristin Ogata. She is now engaged to Gossip bassist Ted Kwo, who is an openly transgender man.
Alternative pop singer Meek, whose hits “Fabulous" and "SWIM" draw heavily from queer nightlife culture, has already performed on stage as the first special guest. Lewisham-born LGBTQ icon MNEK will headline after Ditto’s performance.
Scenes of jubilation as Pride party gets into full swing
There was more jubilation in central London this afternoon as thousands of Pride revellers celebrated the end of the finish line at Whitehall and took part in the festivities at Trafalgar Square.
Tens of thousands of people from across the LGBTQ spectrum are out marching today in a celebration of openness and diversity.
Marchers in high spirits as they cross the finish line at Whitehall
Marchers in the Pride in London parade were in high spirits as they crossed the finish line at Whitehall, having set off from Hyde Park Corner earlier in the afternoon.
Around 35,000 celebrants are understood to have taken to central London, with a parade led by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, as well as a celebration at Trafalgar Square to be headlined by MNEK, with Beth Ditto and Meek as special guests.
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NHS worker: ‘We’re more the same than different’
“Our society is really good,” says Lee Bissett, an NHS worker who has just arrived from his night shift.
He tells Evening Standard: “There’s a whole lot of negativity in the news and the media, but actually ultimately, we are a good country who care and love each other.”
Ms Bissett added that everyone has a duty to “stand up for everybody” whether it’s members of the gay, trans, or Muslim communities.
He explained a lot of the hatred in London is because of people “othering each other.”
“We just need to remember that we’re actually more the same than different,” he said.
‘London is accepting of everyone’
London Pride may take place across just a small square in the capital, but Jonny tells Evening Standard that today’s festivities stand for everyone around the world.
He explains: “London Pride is just acceptance for everybody around the world.
“There’s a lot of places where people can’t be gay, but London is accepting for everyone and everyone is welcome.”
He added that there is a still a lot of homophobia in the capital so raising awareness was still “important.”
People of all ages join in on London Pride
People of all ages have joined in the London Pride festivities, including 13-year-old Marguerita.
She tells the London Standard that “Love is love and love isn’t a crime and it’s okay to be different.”
As she cheers on the procession, the LGBTQ+ Families float sails by to loud cheers from the crowd. The event has drawn in everyone from parents with newborn babies to pensioners.
‘Gay rights are being challenged’
Connor, one member of the crowd, said: “I see [Pride] more as a protest as years go on. We’re seeing a lot more now that gay rights are being challenged, even within our own country.
“So I think it’s more important that we have events like this that act up and shout out about, you know, it’s okay to be gay!”
He added that London Pride was an opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community to shine on the international stage, but said there was room for the government to do more.
'Pride is an amazing celebration of inclusivity'
Paul is just one of the thousands who have lined the streets of Piccadilly as the parade passes the Main Stage at Trafalgar Square.
Dancing to the beat of Sir Sadiq’s float, Paul tells Evening Standard: “Pride is just an amazing celebration of inclusivity every year.“It just gives me such a good feeling to come down here and celebrate that London is so welcoming.”
