Thousands of people flooded the streets of York on Saturday for the highly anticipated annual Pride parade. The vibrant event, which marked the beginning of international Pride Month, saw a diverse range of participants marching through the city, embracing their identities and celebrating LGBTQ+ history and culture.
The parade commenced outside York Minster at 11:30 BST, and as the procession wound its way along Bishopthorpe Road to the Knavesmire, onlookers were treated to a delightful spectacle of live music, performances, and an array of stalls and activities. The atmosphere was electric as renowned personalities like Claire Richards from Steps, Kimberly Wyatt of the Pussycat Dolls, and Kitty Scott-Claus from RuPaul’s Drag Race took to the stage, captivating the crowd with their remarkable talent.
York Pride, chaired by Greg Stephenson, emphasized the importance of fostering inclusivity beyond just a single day of celebration. Stephenson expressed his hope that the event serves as a catalyst for organizations to embrace inclusivity year-round, round the clock. The parade also featured the active involvement of local businesses and the emergency services, further highlighting the unity and support within the community.

As the rainbow-colored streets of York bore witness to this exuberant celebration, it served as a reminder of the progress made in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and the ongoing work that lies ahead. York Pride has once again proven itself as an emblematic event, leaving a lasting impression and inspiring individuals and organizations alike to continue championing inclusivity and acceptance.

