Pride in London participants in the march holding flags in support of Ukraine. Photo: Henry Nicholls/Reuters 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 has participated in the parade: At Marble Arch at noon, crowds of people draped in flags – both Pride and trans – cheered as the parade floats prepared to board, while dance music blared from the boat’s speakers. Although many of those in the most elaborate outfits (high platform heels and strappy lace-ups) were from the younger ranks of the community, many veterans were also present. Winston Woodfine, 59, dressed in a Nike cap, Ralph Lauren tracksuit and trainers, said that despite the wait, this year would be a more “low-key” 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,” she said. But he added that he believed the event itself was no less important. “With 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 such a big gathering, but there can also be people who are single or just going out, and this is a place where they can meet people or learn about support.” Asked about the absence of uniformed Met officers 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 division, and God forbid anything happens [at Pride] and we must call them.” Updated at 12.54 BST What is the route of the march? Today’s parade will follow in the footsteps of the original Pride march of 1972. At midday, it started from the first podium at Hyde Park Corner and now makes its way to 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 through the Mall and finish at Whitehall at around 6pm. You can check the parade route map on the Pride in London website. Updated at 12.44 BST Good evening to all. You have me, Sophie Zeldin-O’Neill, providing updates throughout the afternoon. A bit of background on today’s march: Pride in London is back for the first time since 2019, with more than a million people expected to march. The major event marks 50 years since the capital’s first Pride march in 1972 and will feature performances on four stages in central London. Singer and composer 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 take part in London’s 50th Pride celebrations
More than 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 have signed up to march in the 2022 Pride Parade and more than 400 community groups. It will be led by the Gay Liberation Front, which marched in the first protest in 1972. Follow the blog for updates throughout the afternoon. Md Nabir Uddim and Mohammed Nazir, from London, ahead of today’s Pride in London parade. Photo: James Manning/PA
