A COLOURFUL parade kick-started a day of festivities for the south Essex gay scene as they celebrated the third annual Lardi-Dah party.
Scores of people turned out to celebrate Southend's answer to the national gay Pride march in style by wearing a variety of whacky and vivid costumes.
The event is the biggest gay celebration in the town, and the organisers say it is vital for the profile of the scene and to battle lingering prejudices.
Full story and pictures in Monday's Echo.
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