Tens of thousands gathered in central London on Saturday to participate in the annual LGBTQ+ Pride parade, marking one of the city’s largest celebrations of equality and diversity. According to organisers, more than 35,000 participants representing approximately 600 groups took part, marching along a route from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall via Piccadilly.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan joined the crowd, underscoring the event’s significance as both a festive occasion and a demonstration of ongoing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Participants ranged from activists to allies, community groups, and individuals, reflecting a broad spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community and its supporters.

Julian Hows, a 70-year-old activist, emphasized the dual nature of Pride events, noting their role not only as celebrations but also as platforms for protest and vigilance. “Pride is important because it needs to have an underlying level of protest, and you can see the freedoms that we have can so easily be taken away,” Hows said. He added that continuous efforts are necessary to defend and advance rights, highlighting that progress remains vulnerable.

The parade, held annually, serves both to commemorate historic strides in LGBTQ+ rights and to draw attention to the challenges that persist globally and locally. As this year’s event concluded, organisers and participants reiterated their commitment to equality and inclusion amid shifting political and social landscapes.