London Pride parade draws over 1 million, activists warn

More than a million people gathered in central London on Saturday, July 4, for the city's annual Pride parade, a day of celebration and protest for LGBTQ rights. The event, one of the largest of its kind in the world, featured a procession of over 35,000 registered marchers from more than 600 groups winding through the capital's streets from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall.

The parade, which began at midday and concluded around 6 p.m., passed landmarks including Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, where a main stage hosted performances. Headliner MNEK topped the bill, supported by acts including Beth Ditto and Meek. Six themed stages were set up across central London, offering spaces for performance and reflection.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan was among those at the front of the march. The Metropolitan Police had pledged a visible presence for the event, with Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell stating there would be "no tolerance of hate crime" and that the priority was for everyone to attend safely and free from discrimination.

While the day was festive, with spectators cheering floats from sponsoring companies and football clubs, many participants framed the event as a...