Thirty people from Barking and Dagenham took part in the 50th anniversary, of the UK’s first Pride parade in London on Saturday 2 July.

The capital’s streets were awash with rainbow colours as more than a million LGBT+ people and allies showed their support at the annual event.

Those representing the borough included members from the Barking and Dagenham Flipside Youth Forum, the council’s LGBT+ staff forum, councillors, and council leader Councillor Darren Rodwell.

The parade took place off from Hyde Park Corner all the way to Whitehall and this year’s theme, #AllOurPride, centred around recognising and embracing the different ways Pride is celebrated.

A host of artists, including Emeli Sande and Ava Max, performed across four stages.

Council Leader, Councillor Darren Rodwell, said: “It was a truly fabulous day full of fun and inclusion, and after a difficult couple of years it was fantastic to see people from all backgrounds enjoying themselves together under the British summer sun, in the greatest city in the world.

“But there is a serious point to all the fun. Members of the LGBT+ community still find themselves victims of discrimination just for being who they are and that is not acceptable. Everyone has a right to feel safe and respected, and live happy and fulfilling lives – we’re all one London, one community.”

This year marked the return of the Pride parade for the first time in two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.