Pride in the city as 40,000 turn out for parade
LEEDS PRIDE lived up to its promise of being bigger and better than ever as the city came together once again for its annual show of unity.
Some 40,000 people are estimated to have turned out in force yesterday for the 12th staging of the event which celebrates the culture of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.
The highlight of the day was the parade which saw around 120 floats wind their way through the city centre from Millennium Square to Lower Briggate. Among those taking part were West Yorkshire Police and fire crews.
The celebrations lasted long into the night for many, with clubs, bars and pubs celebrating the Leeds Pride party spirit.
Among those enjoying the colourful scenes on the Headrow was Jo Carter. Jo, from Otley, was there with her family to enjoy the festivities for the fourth time.
There is so much going on and there is something for everyone Jo Carter, of Otley
She said: “There is so much going on and there is something for everyone.
“It’s great for lifting the spirits and brilliant the way Leeds helps raise LGBT awareness.”
Meanwhile, Britney Spears wowed fans gathered at Brighton during the country’s biggest Pride celebration.
The singer, who brought her Las Vegas residency show ‘Piece of Me’ to the East Sussex coast on Saturday night, performed many hit singles to a crowd of up to 60,000.
It marked Spears’ first time on stage in the UK since 2011. The singer impressed as she performed routines with 20 backing dances throughout the 90-minute set. The pop singer is due to perform at Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre on August 17 before dates in London, Manchester, Dublin and Glasgow.