Procession of colour marks city's Pride event

Friends and families attended the colourful parade on Saturday

A parade of colour travelled through Leicester on Saturday as part of the city's annual Pride event.

Crowds gathered in Humberstone Gate, in the city centre, before the 1.7 mile (2.7km) procession began at 12:00 BST, making its way to Abbey Park.

Organisers said they were expecting thousands to attend the city's 16th Pride event.

It was the second year the event was hosted at Abbey Park after previously being held at Victoria Park.

The procession started in Humberstone Gate before making its way to Abbey Park for the festival

Leicester Pride began as a small, city centre-based event and became a larger festival as it grew in popularity, the organisers said.

They added that about 10,000 people attended each year, with some 2,000 taking part in the parade.

The first Pride event in Leicester took place in 2008, organisers said

It was the first Leicester Pride for recently-formed sports group Rainbow Racquets.

They told the BBC: "This our first parade. We're here because it's important to spread awareness and that people are happy to be themselves.

"Everyone should be proud to be who they are."

Sambando Leicester - a samba music band - is a regular part of the Leicester Pride procession

A dad, attending the parade with his family said he loved seeing everybody so happy.

"I'm always out for making sure people are treated equally and fairly.

"My daughter is gay but even if it wasn't for that, I would still be here because I believe all people should be treated properly," he said.

The main stage of the festival was set to be headlined by tributes to Britney Spears, Dolly Parton and Queen, with a separate dance area as well as a funfair at the park.

Local charity, Trade Sexual Health, attended the parade sharing positive messages

It was the 16th annual Pride event in Leicester