Pride in London 2022 was the ‘largest Pride in British history’, say organisers
More than a million took part in the 50th anniversary celebrations.
Words: Emily Maskell; pictures: Pexels
History was made on the streets of London this weekend with more than 1.5 million people getting involved with Pride in London, 50 years since the first-ever Pride in the UK.
The huge scale of the event marked this year’s march as the “largest Pride in British history” as people marched from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall Palace.
Today we took to the streets of London and celebrated #AllOurPride. Check out the highlights and see if you can spot yourself. pic.twitter.com/8tjHWsH38S
— Pride in London (@PrideInLondon) July 2, 2022
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell and the veterans from the first UK Pride protest in 1972 led the Pride in London 2022 parade, behind them over 30,000 people marched the route through central London.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan delivered an address that recognised the work that lies ahead for LGBT+ equality while the Hearstopper cast danced defiantly in front of anti-gay protesters.
The stars of Heartstopper absolutely loving it as anti-LGBT protesters are challenged by a young Pride supporter #Pride pic.twitter.com/7uUwaG9MXW
— Scott Beasley (@SkyScottBeasley) July 2, 2022
This year, Metropolitan Police uniform officers did not take part in the parade, as they have done in past events after organisers asked them not to.
Pride in London delivered “50 Seconds for #AllOurPride”, paying homage to the 50th anniversary of the UK’s first Pride that has subsequently brought the community together every year.
We shouted, we cheered, we danced, we waved, for #AllOurPride pic.twitter.com/Hzx6JRAE9j
— Pride in London (@PrideInLondon) July 2, 2022
Pride in London director, Chris Joell-Deshields, hailed this year’s event as “absolutely brilliant” while speaking to BBC Radio London.
Joell-Deshields added that “we’ve still got a journey to go… every day we’re continuing to have to fight for our trans people and making it a fair life for them. We’re still having to fight for those around the world who live in countries where they can’t be themselves.”
Performances from Ava Max, Emeli Sandé and Eurovision-winning superstar Netta also gathered huge crowds across Central London stages.
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