COLCHESTER PRIDE 2022 had its biggest turnout yet with thousands in attendance for a day of celebration.

The day began with the first ever Colchester Pride March, which saw more than 600 people flood the city centre with flags and banners.

The march began at the Mercury Theatre, as revellers waved their banners and flags down the High Street, ending up at Firstsite.

The landmark march was led by performers the OutHouse and Colchester Kings Rugby Club. 

Organisers believed this year’s event to be the biggest yet with 2,000 attendees on the day despite the scorching heat.

The event provided participants with plenty of entertainment, street food and performances for all to enjoy.

Highlights from the celebrations include Dream Nails, who kicked off the show, providing a riotous performance, whilst reminding attendees of the event's importance.

Flick and Richard Energy provided visitors with drag story times, before an hour of LGBTQ+ comedy.

Drag Race UK superstar, Vanity Milan also thrilled the crowd with a lively lip sync performance.

Trustee and committee member, Ben Powell, said: “We are thrilled with the success of Colchester Pride 2022 and the incredible turnout for our first ever march.

“In the 50 years since the first Pride events in the UK, we have seen some incredible highs and tragic lows, but it is fantastic to see how far we've come since the earliest days.

“With that said, the fight for equality is far from over. Just today Vice UK published a report UK police have recorded their biggest ever rise in reports of anti-LGBTQ hate crimes.

“Since last year, homophobic reports have risen by 32 per cent and transphobic reports by 59 per cent.

“Colchester Pride will continue to support the community and champion equality and diversity throughout our city. We look forward to many more events celebrating ours and the wider community.”

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