Thousands taking part in Margate Pride

Crowds paraded along Margate seafront on Saturday afternoon

One of the largest Pride events of its kind in Kent is taking place.

Margate Pride's annual community-led parade set off from Walpole Bay Lawns at 13:00 BST on Saturday and moved along the seafront to Dreamland.

Music events are taking place at the seaside theme park from 14:00 include choirs, drag performances and DJs.

Ellie Powling, engagement coordinator for Margate Pride, said: "Pride is a protest and we can't wait to march with everyone, young and old."

The organisation was founded in 2016 as a small parade led by friends.

In 2024, over 6,000 people took to the streets for the parade and over 20,000 participated in the festival as a whole, organisers said.

The Margate Pride arts map will give participants the opportunity to visit 30 venues in the town "to support local artists".

Mia Pollak, director of Margate Pride, said: "We proudly forefront creatives to achieve our mission, and are so excited to see all the incredible exhibitions queer artists are presenting."

As well as the annual festivities, the organisation produces year round events, socials and advocacy work for the local community.

During LGBT+ History Month in February it ran a series of events and exhibitions about the history of Margate.