Thousands braved the rain to gather in Durham for the city’s annual pride celebrations on Sunday (May 26).
The annual event, founded 10 years ago, celebrates the LGBT+ community, equality, inclusion and diversity in the County.
Revellers donned multi-coloured clothing and draped themselves in rainbow flags.
A sea of colour including rainbow umbrellas paraded from Durham Cathedral through the city’s historic streets at lunchtime unfettered by the inclement weather with music, dancing and laughter.
The main event saw huge crowds in attire from drag to fancy dress gather at The Sands where music and performances will carry on into the evening.
Drag queen host Tess Tickle said: “It might be raining, but without rain, you don’t get a rainbow.
“We are here to paint the town rainbow today. Happy Pride Durham.”
JLS star Aston Merrygold and Union J’s George Shelley are among the headline acts set to take to the stage tonight.
Tess Tickle and The Dragettes performed to the crowds with local artists and the University’s musical theatre troupe also entertaining the throng of people including those of all sexual orientations and allies.
Events will continue up to 11pm with a flamboyant after-show party.
Speaking at the event City of Durham MP Mary Foy told the Echo: “It’s joyous, absolutely joyous. It’s just an amazing day of celebration. I wouldn’t be anywhere else today.
“A bit of rain doesn’t stop us in the North East. People here are in great spirits, they’re here for a good time but also to say, ‘love who you want to love’.
“Thanks to Mel (Marshall, the event’s founder) and all of the organisers of Durham Pride for making the day so special.
“I will always stand up for the LGBT community. We’ve come a very long way but there’s still so much to do and there still isn’t equality - we need equality around the world. Today is a celebration but it’s also a form of protest as well, saying ‘we’re here, we’re LGBT, accept us, we should have equal rights.
“There are still, in the last few years, voices who are causing division and polarisation and a lot of that affects the LGBT community.”
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