Leeds Pride 2018 (Photo: David Hudson)
The annual Leeds Pride is taking place today in the Yorkshire city in northern England.
The day consists of entertainment in both Millennium Square and Lower Briggate. The latter is where much of the city’s gay scene is located.
Drag fun in Lower Briggate (Photo: David Hudson)
Acts began entertaining crowds at noon in Millennium Square, before the parade through the city centre commenced there at 2pm. Like many other Pride festivals in the UK this summer, there was a very visible show of support for trans members of the community – including from lesbian groups.
‘Trans rights are human rights’ (Photo: David Hudson)
Over 120 floats took part in the walk, which wound its way through the city centre via Headrow and Kirkgate. It made its way to Lower Briggate where another street party is now in full swing.
A bus sponsored by broadcaster ITV, home of Yorkshire-based soap Emmerdale (Photo: David Hudson)
There is also a fairground off Meadow Lane, plus a family area and community stalls. Organizers estimate 40,000 have taken part in today’s events. The blazing sunshine and 82F (28C) temperatures helped boost the carnival atmosphere.
Acts performing on the day include a mixture of drag, cabaret singers and former charts acts. Baby D (‘Let Me Be Your Fantasy’) and Rozalla (‘Everybody’s Free’) fame are probably the best known, while the UK’s 2018 Eurovision entrant SuRie is also lined up to perform (hopefully with no unplanned stage invasions!).
Members of the GSN team visited to give out our limited-edition Gay Star News Pride bags – with 2,500 bags and their goodies eagerly snapped up by Pride goers.
Check out more images from the Leeds Pride parade below
Leeds Pride 2018 (Photo: David Hudson)
Balloon buddies (Photo: David Hudson)
Rugby lads ahead of taking part in the parade (Photo: David Hudson)
Happy Pride from Leeds Police (Photo: David Hudson)
There were plenty of rainbows (Photo: David Hudson)
Enjoying a drink in Millennium Square, Leeds (Photo: David Hudson)
Lots of people brought their kids along to enjoy the day (Photo: David Hudson)
The bear community was particularly well represented at Leeds Pride (Photo: David Hudson)
Leeds Pride 2018 (Photo: David Hudson)
More of those rugby boys (Photo: David Hudson)
‘Let’s love and not hate’ (Photo: David Hudson)
And more of those bears! (Photo: David Hudson)
The parade boasted a carnival-like atmosphere (Photo: David Hudson)
Why walk when you can skate? (Photo: David Hudson)
Rainbow storm trooper… they must have been melting in there! (Photo: David Hudson)
Leeds Pride 2018 (Photo: David Hudson)
Royal Mail workers… delivery with Pride (Photo: David Hudson)
Flying the (big) flag for trans rights at Leeds Pride (Photo: David Hudson)
