Thousands fill Belfast streets for city’s annual Pride parade

Spectators lined the city's footpaths to cheer on the thousands who took part in the parade.

Belfast Pride Festival is one of the biggest festivals in the city's calendar, with hundreds of events taking place.

Organisers of Belfast Pride said it is the biggest cross-community parade in Belfast and is a protest and celebration of the lives of LGBT+ people.

The theme for this year's event is No Going Back, as organisers said there must be "no turning back from the advances made in visibility, legal protections and societal recognition".

Throughout the city, many people had rainbows painted on their faces, while others waved LGBT+ flags and held placards with equality messages written on them.

A series of groups and floats, representing up to 250 charities and organisations, took off from Custom House Square at 1pm .

It made its way north of the city before making its way down Donegall Place and past City Hall before finishing at Victoria Street.

Friends, work colleagues and many young families, including pet dogs, were among those in the crowd.

Belfast Pride organisers took the decision to ask political parties to not attend the parade in an official capacity, after Stormont backed a ban on puberty blockers.

The parade started in 1991 and over the last 30 years has grown to be the largest single parade in Northern Ireland .

Ahead of the parade taking place, First Minister Michelle O'Neill tweeted: "Happy Belfast Pride to everyone celebrating today, I hope it's filled with joy and love for you all.

"Your courage over many years has helped transform our society for the better.

"As your First Minister, I'm committed to building a future where everyone in our LGBTQIA+ community is seen, valued, and treated equally. Be proud. Be you. Today and every day.

"Have a wonderful day."