THOUSANDS of people have taken part in a city’s biggest ever Pride event.

On what could have been a grey Bank Holiday Monday, the streets of Durham were filled with rainbow flags – as well as rainbow umbrellas – sequinned costumes and brightly coloured banners for the city’s annual Pride celebration.

Around 2,000 people took part in a parade through Durham, with more joining them for festivities and music, including Irish pop due Jedward, who headlined the show at The Sands.

Durham Pride chairman Mel Metcalf said: “The thousands that are here are here to celebrate diversity and we want to do that for everyone as best we can.

“It’s fabulous to have so much support from the community and really means a lot to the LGBT community to see that.

“People are telling us the work we’re doing is important and is making the LGBT community more visible. Durham feels more inclusive.”

Sequin-clad drag queen and stilt walkers were joined by police cars, ambulance vehicles and fire engines bedecked in rainbow flags and a big, pink Brass bus providing musical entertainment.

Meanwhile there was also support from the Durham Miners’ Association, which carried a banner in the parade, around 35 campaigners from the County Durham Teaching Assistants, trade unions and religious figures including members from St Michael and All Angels Church in Houghton-le-Spring.

This year’s event, which had to move to a new location because of its growing popularity, took place over two days for the first time and included a family picnic on Sunday as well as a funfair.

As well as Jedward, there was also music from Tess Tickle and the Dragettes, The Clubland Divas, Big Brovaz, Booty Luv, Northern Proud Voices and Rob Lamberti.

Controversy hit preparations after organisers were criticised for booking a white Beyonce tribute act who was accused of darkening her skin with fake tan to make her look more like the US singer.

The singer, who received online death threats following a heated debate, was initially still planning to perform, but organisers took to the decision to pull her from the programme on Saturday.

The committee apologised for any offence caused and has now made a plea for more people to get involved in organising next year’s event.

Mr Metcalf added: “It’s been difficult. We are a small Pride with a few trustees and we have to do the best we can. Sometimes we get it right and sometimes we don’t and we learn every year.

“For the event to continue to grow as it has we can’t do it without support of the community and groups. We’ve managed it but we need a bit more help next year.

“It would be great for more people to come along in the planning stages. People can have a real say about what Pride 2018 will look like.

“We can’t give everyone what they want with five or six people.”

Following the bombing in Manchester last week, organiser worked with police to treble security on the site following concerns about safety.