York Pride: Thousands line the streets to celebrate

York Pride/Alan Milner The parYork Pride/Alan Milner
The Pride parade left York Minster on Saturday morning and ended at the Knavesmire

Thousands of people took to the streets of York for the annual Pride parade.

The parade started outside York Minster at 11:30 BST on Saturday, before winding its way through the city along Bishopthorpe Road to the Knavesmire.

Once there, crowds were entertained with live music and performance, stalls and activities set up around the field.

Performers at the event included Steps star Claire Richards and Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt.

RuPaul's Drag Race star Kitty Scott-Claus also performed, as did former BBC Radio York presenter and singer-songwriter Beth McCarthy.

York Pride/Alan Milner Crowds gather for York PrideYork Pride/Alan Milner
The streets of York were rainbow coloured on Saturday
Michelle Lyons/BBC York PrideMichelle Lyons/BBC
Thousands of people were in the city to celebrate the LGBTQ+ event
Michelle Lyons/BBC Police officerMichelle Lyons/BBC
Members of the emergency services also took part

The event marked the start of international Pride Month, which celebrates LGBTQ+ history and culture.

Many local businesses took part as well as members of the emergency services.

Greg Stephenson, chair of York Pride, said: "I think it's important that it's not just a one day a year thing, that they take that away and make sure that their organisations are inclusive all year round, 24 hours a day.

"And if days like today are a springboard for that, then that is perfect for us."

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Michelle Lyons/BBC Pride paradeMichelle Lyons/BBC
The event marked the start of international Pride Month
Michelle Lyons/BBC Bus in Pride paradeMichelle Lyons/BBC
Many local businesses took part in the event
Michelle Lyons/BBC Open top bus on paradeMichelle Lyons/BBC
An open-top bus joined the parade
Dog with rainbow collar
The parade ended in a festival at the Knavesmire
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