KNAVESMIRE has hosted the biggest ever York Pride 2016 as the city celebrates diversity and remembers those who have died through hatred.

Thousands of people held a minute's silence outside York Minster in memory of those killed in Orlando, Florida and MP Jo Cox before starting this year's march to the festival site.

They marched through the city centre on Saturday, carrying a 50-metre rainbow flag and many other flags and banners.

It is the first large-scale Pride event in the UK since 49 people died in Orlando, Florida, and Yorkshire Police has announced it is the biggest ever.

>>> The first 11 photos above are by photographer Lewis Outing. See his full gallery of 140 photos on his website

Earlier thousands had gathered in Duncombe Place and the pedestrian area outside the West Door of York Minster as LBGT and other organisations from across the city and local area stood shoulder to shoulder Though everyone was in festival mood, some of those attending had deliberately included a bit of black in their rainbow costumes.

They gave a huge round of applause to the driver of the York City Sightseeing Tour red double decker bus with the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Dave Taylor, and others aboard as he successfully completed a three point turn in the crowded street with assistance from crowd marshals to clear the way.

Cllr Taylor told the crowd: "It is right that we have chosen this place to reclaim the space for decency and openness to counter the threat of evil.

"We will walk together with pride, we will move on and we will join in solidarity against those who divide us and who are against those because they are just different." 

Canon Michael Smith, canon pastor of York Minster, said a prayer for those killed in the Orlando night-club shooting and for Jo Cox, who was shot on Thursday in Birstall, before the parade and onlookers held a minute's silence.

The York Pride brass band played "Bridge over Troubled Water" as 49 white balloons were released in memory of the night-club dead before leading the parade, which started about an hour behind schedule.

York Samba Band also provided music and the marchers and members of the public dressed in many different costumes and outfits, including one woman in a rainbow coloured Union Jack set off for an afternoon of fun and festival at Knavesmire.

Her Majesty, alias Billie Raymond dressed as the Queen complete with tiara, said: "It is a day to be happy, but also thoughtful." He attends Pride events all over the country.

Among those marching were York High School, whose deputy head Rod Sims spoke with pride of the work within his school to eradicate homophobia to the assembled procession before it began. Millthorpe School, Benenden Healthcare, the universities of York and York St John, and Usdaw union were also on the parade.

Police, headed by Acting Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Tim Madgwick, joined in the carnival spirit, taking selfies and generally enjoying themselves while keeping an eye out for anyone wishing to spoil the party.

On Saturday afternoon, ACC Madgwick tweeted: "Great to be part of York Pride, biggest ever parade and positive response from everyone in the city."

Organisers had expected up to 5,000 people to gather for the event, which promotes equality and challenges discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Many businesses and organisations across York have been flying the rainbow flag this week in support.