Eurovision Song Contest winner, Conchita Wurst crowns biggest ever national Pride in London.
Despite terrential rain, a record-breaking 30,000 people braved miserable weather conditions on Saturday (July 29) to take part in the biggest Pride parade London has seen in years,
Kylie Minogue, Prime Minister David Cameron, Tom Daley, Stephen Fry and Sir Ian McKellen all sent personal messages of support, whilst Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst played her first UK concert to a 10,000 strong audience in Trafalgar Square, where she called for love, respect and tolerance around the world.
The huge crowds lining Oxford and Regent Streets were showered in confetti and glitter as over 200 groups, including dozens of floats, made their way to Trafalgar Square for the great line-up of entertainment that included Sinitta, Sam Fox, Heather Peace, Sam Bailey and Katrina.
Celebrity hosts including Dr Christian Jessen, Dusty O, and Chris and Emma of the Gaydio breakfast show were joined on stage by Imelda Staunton who spoke about her new film The Pride, about LGBT support for the striking miners in the ’80s.
Kylie Minogue sent a video message from Sydney celebrating #freedomto love.
Sir Ian McKellen, tireless campaigner for equality and Patron of Pride in London was greeted by rapturous applause as he took to the stage to introduce Conchita Wurst who proceeded to steal the show.
Introducing Conchita, Sir Ian said: “Show business has always led the way when it comes to the freedom to be yourself. So Conchita is following in the footsteps of our predecessors. There is a long tradition of outrageousness and confidence that performers embody, and that has an enormous impact. It clears the way for others to dare to be themselves. She has done just that.”
Conchita, said: “Let us be proud about who we are and let us give a statement for love, respect and tolerance.”
At the end of her performance she had her photograph taken with the 10,000 strong audience in Trafalgar Square.
Michael Salter, Chair of Pride in London said: “I want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who, together with everyone in the Parade, all those lining the route or celebrating in Trafalgar Square, Golden Square and Soho, gave our great city the fun, exciting, surprising and inspiring Pride it truly deserves.
“We at Pride in London want to go on delivering events of, by and for the entire LGBT+ community. This year again we saw how powerful that can be.”
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