THE annual York Pride march will wind its way through the city today with backing from more than 60 businesses who are offering direct sponsorship or discounts for attendees and supporters of the event.

As well as key sponsors Benenden Health, backing has come from local organisations including City of York Council and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, several York bars, such as Thomas’s Bar of Museum Street and Monroe’s Showbar of Gillygate, both of which are holding party events after the main Pride event.

The march starts outside the Minster at 12.15pm.

Marchers will be carrying a rainbow flag through the streets and past the Mansion House, where another rainbow flag will fly to show the city’s support for gay rights. They will reach the Knavesmire at 1pm for an afternoon of entertainment.