Image credits: LondonLGBTpride / Instagram / Istock
In a much-needed response to recent events, the theme of 2017’s London Pride Parade is ‘Love Happens Here’. The event is going to be parading through the bustling streets of London in celebration of sexual diversity.
The Pride Festival is in full swing by now and is gearing up for the main parade and events taking place in London Saturday 8th July 2017, It starts at 1pm, and takes a 1.4-mile (2.3km) route starting north of Oxford Circus on Regent Street.
It is one of the longest running parades in the country and attracts an estimated one million visitors to the city. The festival’s events and location within London vary every year however the Pride parade is the only annual event to close London’s iconic Oxford Street. London’s 2015 Gay Pride Parade through the streets of London attracted 1 million people making it the 7th largest gay event in the world and the largest Gay Pride Parade and Gay event ever held in the UK.
Pride History
How long has Pride in London been running?
The first Pride weekend took place in New York in 1969. London got involved two years later when a group of around 200 activists from the UK branch of the Gay Liberation Front marched on central London – though not before a dozen drag queens had staged a ‘dress rehearsal’ the day before, pursued by police! The first official London Pride was held in 1972, with 2,000 people in attendance. Compare that to 2014, when Pride attracted more than 750,000 partygoers.
Whether you are a part of the LGBT+ community or just a supporter, this is a fun event with a great cause and an incredible atmosphere. Seeing the message of unity and love spread in such a positive way is a breath of fresh air after recent events.
A Transport Makeover
TFL have even joined in by decorating their buses and major tube stations, in support.
The Brands
Plenty of brands have gone through colourful rainbow-fuelled transformations in support of London Pride.
After giving away the rainbow last year, Skittles are back celebrating love in their usual colourful ways in support of Pride.
Adidas continue traditional and add a splash of colour to their trainers for the event.
Image credit: Adidas
Smirnoff make their usual appearance, continuing to celebrate sexual diversity and the Pride event as they have done for 20 years.
Credit: Smirnoff / Facebook
The Party Goers!
Over 300 groups and floats travel from Portland Place station to Trafalgar Square, where there’s a party, music, theatre performances and more camp fun. You’ll have to turn up to see what’s planned this year though – everything’s a surprise until the parade starts.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan Quoted: ‘Here in London, you’re free to love whoever you want to love and be whoever you want to be. That’s just one of the reasons why our city is seen as a beacon for the LGBT+ community and has such a vibrant, thriving scene – one that is bursting with colour, and contributes hugely to the life and soul of London.’
In an age of acceptance, confidence has grown and people openly enjoy their sexuality. Regardless of sexuality we can all appreciate the end of toxic and discriminating views towards sexual preference and celebrate diversity. The streets of London are going to be buzzing and it’s a great event to get involved with.
