Newcastle and Hull Pride: Cities celebrate diversity

A cast of colourful characters took part in the Northern Pride march through Newcastle city centre

Colourful crowds have come together in Hull and Newcastle for the annual Pride events.

Parades snaked through the cities on Saturday to mark the the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots.

In Newcastle, heavy rain fell as people gathered at Haymarket ahead of a noon march while the weather stayed largely dry for the Queens Gardens celebrations in Hull.

The events celebrate and honour those who have fought for LGBTQ rights over the years

One of the revellers channelled their inner Patsy to dress up as Joanna Lumley's Absolutely Fabulous character

Spice Girl Mel C was due to be one of the headline acts in Hull but pulled out hours before taking to the stage.

The singer posted on Twitter that she was "gutted to cancel" but had a throat infection.

Newcastle's Northern Pride continues all weekend with revellers due to return for a third day of celebrations.

Organisers of Pride in Hull said this year's event was "bigger, brighter, bolder than ever"

Officers from Northumbria Police showed their support for the Pride participants

• A riot that changed millions of lives

• Should Pride be a party or a protest?

• 'Smallest Pride parade' celebrates marches

Pride in Hull has cemented its status as one of the city's most iconic events, organisers said

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