'Come out, celebrate and let's make this the greatest Pride ever'

Five stages to host massive London celebration with 1.5m expected

- Anna Davis

TOMORROW’S Pride in London march will be a momentous day that is bigger and better than ever, organisers said today.

More than 1.5 million people are set to take to the streets of the capital to join the biggest celebration of the LGBT+ community in Britain.

In a message to Londoners Will De’Athe-Morris, spokesman for Pride in London, said: “Come out on the first of July, celebrate with us, wear your finery, make yourself at home because London is open to all. We are so excited to be back out on the streets.”

He added: “Last year was the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march in Britain and it was the biggest Pride march in British history with over 1.5 million people on the streets of London. We expect this year to be even bigger and better.

“It is going to be an absolutely momentous day. There are going to be some amazing surprises and it is a great opportunity to come together and make sure no one ever marches alone.”

As well as being a colourful party extravaganza, with five stages hosting performers including Adam Lambert and Idina Menzel, Pride has historically been a protest as well as a celebration.

Mayor Sadiq Khan, who will lead the parade which starts at Hyde Park Corner and culminates at Whitehall Place, said London’s example of openness and equality can resonate far beyond the borders of this country, to energise activists elsewhere to fight for freedom from persecution.