Crowds line streets of Belfast as city celebrates Pride parade
The centre of Belfast was turned into a sea of colour today as thousands celebrated the annual Pride parade.
Crowds lined the city's footpaths to cheer on those taking part in the march.
Organisers of Belfast Pride said it is the biggest cross-community parade in Belfast and is a protest and celebration of the lives of LGBT+ people.
First staged in 1991, it now draws tens of thousands to the streets.
This year's theme is "Not Going Back", which organisers say refers to LGBTQIA+ rights being 'under attack, here and across the world".
Throughout the city, many people had rainbows painted on their faces, while others waved LGBT+ flags and held placards with equality messages written on them.
Groups and floats, representing up to 250 charities and organisations, took off from Custom House Square at 1pm.
The parade made its way north of the city before moving down Donegall Place and past City Hall and finishing at Victoria Street.
Friends, work colleagues and many young families, including pet dogs, were among those in the crowd.
However, there was controversy in the build-up with some politicians asked to stay away.
Sinn Fein, the DUP, Alliance and UUP – the four Executive parties – were told by Pride organisers they were not welcome at the parade because they supported a ban on puberty blockers for under-18s.
First Minister Michelle O'Neill said she hoped the parade was a success.
In a message on social media, she said: 'Happy Belfast Pride to everyone celebrating today, I hope it's filled with joy and love for you all.
'Your courage over many years has helped transform our society for the better.
'As your First Minister, I'm committed to building a future where everyone in our LGBTQIA+ community is seen, valued, and treated equally.
'Be proud. Be you. today and every day. Have a wonderful day.'
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