WARRIOR Square Gardens transformed into a colourful spectacle as Southend Pride celebrates diversity and inclusivity.

Southend Pride, a vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and its members, took centre stage in the city of Southend as thousands of people flocked to the event.

The festival, held at Warrior Square Gardens on Saturday, July 15, from 12pm to 8pm, offered a day filled with joyous celebrations and unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community.Echo: Talented - performer at the Southend Pride 2023Talented - performer at the Southend Pride 2023 (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Echo: Parade - thousands flocked to Southend to celebrate LGBTQ communityParade - thousands flocked to Southend to celebrate LGBTQ community (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Echo: Vibrant - most attendees dressed themselves with rainbows and LGBTQ flagsVibrant - most attendees dressed themselves with rainbows and LGBTQ flags (Image: Gaz de Vere)

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The city came alive with an explosion of rainbows, glitter, and entertainment, as attendees revelled in the festivities.

Food stalls, drinks, and a wide array of vendors added to the vibrant atmosphere of the event, which aimed to embrace and empower individuals from all walks of life.

Echo: Rainbows - LGBTQ members and supporters came to Southend to celebrate Rainbows - LGBTQ members and supporters came to Southend to celebrate (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Echo: Celebrating - attendees wore flags while they cheered and chanted during the paradeCelebrating - attendees wore flags while they cheered and chanted during the parade (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Echo: Dazzling - elaborate and colourful make-up looks were also spotted during the eventDazzling - elaborate and colourful make-up looks were also spotted during the event (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Sam Adams, the Southend Pride Chair, said: "The organising team and I were really happy about the outcome of the event - especially after we thought that the weather might cross our festivities. 

"Although the wind was strong, we still has a great turnout. We still got the same number of people that we expected and the weather didn't really put people off.

"We had over 2000 people during the parade and approximately 5000 during the festival in the park. 

Echo: Fun - over 2000 people attended the parade and approximately 5000 attended the festival in the parkFun - over 2000 people attended the parade and approximately 5000 attended the festival in the park (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Echo: Celebrations - people of all ages attended the Southend Pride 2023Celebrations - people of all ages attended the Southend Pride 2023 (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Echo: Spreading - residents enjoyed spreading love and support during Southend Pride 2023Spreading - residents enjoyed spreading love and support during Southend Pride 2023 (Image: Gaz de Vere)

"My favourite part of the event was the march - it's always amazing to see all those people there when the parade sets in - all the cheering, chanting and singing! 

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"We of course have plans to return with the festival next year and we will continue working hard to create an amazing event." 

Echo: Performers - stage was hosted by Ruby Violet, Ashley Edwards, and Char CooteriePerformers - stage was hosted by Ruby Violet, Ashley Edwards, and Char Cooterie (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Echo: Pride - the event hosted live singers and performersPride - the event hosted live singers and performers (Image: Gaz de Vere)

The festivities kicked off with captivating live performances on the main stage, expertly hosted by Ruby Violet, Ashley Edwards, and Char Cooterie. Attendees had the chance to explore community stalls, browse through diverse traders, and indulge in the children's entertainment tent, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

After the parade, the celebrations continued at Warrior Square Gardens, allowing attendees to revel in the spirit of inclusivity, acceptance, and love that defined Southend Pride.

Echo: Tons - families and residents enjoyed a sunny day celebrating LGBTQ communityTons - families and residents enjoyed a sunny day celebrating LGBTQ community (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Echo: Stalls - the festival also hosted a range of different stalls and food trucksStalls - the festival also hosted a range of different stalls and food trucks (Image: Gaz de Vere)