A film made by Pride in London for today’s event shows “how far we’ve come in the last 50 years and how far we still have to go”.
This from my colleague Amy Walker, who joined the parade:
At Marble Arch at lunchtime, crowds of flag-draped people – both Pride and transgender – cheered as the parade ships prepared to board as dance music blared from the speakers on board.
Although many of those with the most elaborate outfits (high platform heels and strappy tops) were from the younger classes of the community, many veterans were also present.
Winston Woodfine, 59, wearing a Nike cap, tracksuit and Ralph Lauren sneakers, said that despite the wait, this year will be a more relaxed affair for him.
“I used to dress up with friends, but some of them are no longer with us and some of them have moved away,” he said.
But he added that he thought the event itself was no less significant.
“On every anniversary it’s nice to give thanks [the campaigners] for what they have done, while recognizing that there is still a long way to go.”
“We think of Pride as one big gathering, but there can also be people who are single or just hanging out, and it’s a place where they can meet people or learn about support.”
Asked about the absence of uniformed Met police marching in the parade, Woodfine described it as a “shame”.
“It’s important to be inclusive. We need them and they need us,” he said.
“We don’t want any division and God forbid something happens.” [at Pride] and we must call them.
Updated at 12.54 BST
What is the route of the hike?
Today’s parade will follow in the footsteps of the original Pride from 1972. At midday it started from the first podium at Hyde Park Corner and now makes its way along the edge of Green Park.
The marchers will then reach the second podium at Piccadilly Circus where they will turn right and head towards Charing Cross to the third podium at the top of Orange Street.
The parade will pass along the Mall and finish at Whitehall at around 6pm.
You can check the parade route map on the London Pride website.
Updated at 12.44 BST
Good day to all. You have me, Sophie Zeldin-O’Neill, here providing updates throughout the afternoon.
A little background on today’s march: London Pride is back for the first time since 2019, with more than a million people expected to join the march. The major event marks 50 years since the capital’s first parade in 1972 and will feature performances on four stages across central London.
Singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé, Eurovision 2018 winner Netta and pop and soul singer Samantha Mumba will take to the stages.
The parade will close with a “show-stopping” performance by pop superstar Ava Max in Trafalgar Square.
Updated at 12.38 BST
More than 1 million people expected to join London’s 50th anniversary Pride celebrations
Over a million people are expected to take to the streets of London today for the capital’s first Pride celebrations since the pandemic.
Today’s event, which also marks the 50th anniversary of the UK’s first Pride Parade, kicks off at midday at Hyde Park Corner.
Organizers, who billed the event as the “biggest and most inclusive event in history,” said more than 30,000 people had signed up to take part in the 2022 Pride parade and more than 400 community groups.
It will be led by the Gay Liberation Front, which took part in the first protest in 1972.
Stay tuned to the blog for updates throughout the afternoon.
Mr Nabir Udim and Mohammed Nazir from London ahead of today’s Pride parade in London. Photo: James Manning/Pennsylvania
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