UP to ten thousand people have turned out to support Pride weekend, despite the dire weather conditions.
The parade kicked off at 12pm as people marched through Parliament Street, over Ouse Bridge, along Skeldergate and down Bishopthorpe Road towards the Knavesmire, where the celebrations will continue.
Chairman of York Pride, Greg Stephenson said he was ecstatic with the numbers considering the weather conditions.
He said: "I am so very, very, very happy with the number of people turning out given the rain.
"I think we have about matched the attendance last year which is fantastic.
"It just shows how much people love and want to support Pride weekend.
"I saw a lot of support from people who weren't part of the parade also, which is a great sign.
"Gareth's performance was fantastic and Eva got everybody dancing with her Whitney Houston covers.
"There's still more to go with the after party so make sure you head down."
Marco Corrado, a volunteer and coach for Aviva, said: "Our flag this year is all about cherishing community.
"We have expanded pride this year to incorporate every person, no matter sex, ethnicity, gender.
"It is fantastic and we are so proud to carry this flag in the parade."
Sarah Jones, from York, said: "It is a magnificent turnout.
"The weather never hurt anyone and I love to dance in the rain.
"It is such a wonderful day."
The celebrations have continued all afternoon, as Gareth Gates performed a selection of covers that got people on their feet dancing.
Loved @YorkPride omg what a day thankyou so much
— BIG PINK DRESS (@bigpinkdressgnr) June 8, 2019
A bit wet but wow great #Pride @ChantelleByford thankyou so much for looking after us @CoopFuneralcare @eve_cheryle @ad_hampton pic.twitter.com/xufZ2fELJm
People also visited numerous pop-up stalls and fairground rides.
Dani Wardman, chief officer for the charity survive, said: "A lot of our clients are from the LGBT+ community so we love attending the fair and chatting to a few familiar faces as well as new ones."
What a day! Thank you to @YorkPride for another fantastic year. Proud we at @yorksightseeing could help out. Despite the rain the mass of colour soon brighten it up. Well done @DaveOfYork and his team they put on one fantastic day. Until next year... pic.twitter.com/matylTmjND
— Dale French (@busmanDale) June 8, 2019
Emily Collins, Job Coach for United Response, said: "We have a sensory tent that includes ear defenders and bean bags for anyone who struggles with the noise but loves pride!"
At York Pride with Fiona Eldridge @coachfizz new Head of Diversity inclusion and engagement @CollegeofPolice @MCunninghamCoP. Leadership from the front. pic.twitter.com/J928LWo0Mn
— Lisa Winward (@CCNYP) June 8, 2019
Cllr, Jonny Crawshaw, said: "Pride is such an important event and I was so pleased to see so many people both marching and lining the streets despite the weather. When the world can seem like such a divided, angry place, it’s so good to be able to come together and say that we don’t care who you are or who you love, everyone is welcome in York and you always will be.”Later this evening York Pride will be hosting its official after party at Mansion Nightclub, in Micklegate; where both Pink and Kylie Minogue tribute acts are set to perform.
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