BASILDON was swept away by a tidal wave of colour and noise as its LGBTQ+ community revelled in the town’s Pride festival.

Basildon Pride marched through the town centre before arriving at the festival site in Gloucester Park on Saturday.

People dressed in drag and others adorning rainbow flags were just some of the members of the parade which took the town by storm.

Basildon Pride’s chairman of trustees David Burton-Sampson said: “It was amazing to see people come and be themselves without fear of discrimination or judgement.”

Echo: Flags - the town centre was met with a flurry of flagsFlags - the town centre was met with a flurry of flags (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Echo: All smiles - revellers pose for a picture in Basildon town centreAll smiles - revellers pose for a picture in Basildon town centre (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Echo: Tidal wave - colour swept through Basildon during the paradeTidal wave - colour swept through Basildon during the parade (Image: Gaz de Vere)

The festival in Gloucester Park boasted four performance areas alongside a huge food court and marketplace.

A record breaking number of people in excess of 5,000 arrived at the venue having marched from the former Toys R Us building at 11am.

“It was an absolutely outstanding day. The march was one of our best ever, full of colour, music and dance,” said Mr Burton-Sampson.

“There were so many people showing solidarity and taking part. Everybody seemed to have a really great time.

Echo: Strike a pose - a festival-goer takes a moment to pose in front of a rainbow flagStrike a pose - a festival-goer takes a moment to pose in front of a rainbow flag (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Echo: Pride - this proud mum shows her support for the LGBTQ communityPride - this proud mum shows her support for the LGBTQ community (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Echo: Parade - revellers marched from Basildon town centre to Gloucester ParkParade - revellers marched from Basildon town centre to Gloucester Park (Image: Gaz de Vere)

“It was amazing to see people come and celebrate being themselves.

“That is our goal, to try and get that level of acceptance throughout the whole year, not just on the day of Pride.”

Mr Burton-Sampson, once mayor of Basildon, stated the atmosphere was “electric” during the occasion.

Echo: Loved - festival-goers show their supportLoved - festival-goers show their support (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Echo: Peace - the march started at the former Toys R Us buildingPeace - the march started at the former Toys R Us building (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Echo: Record breaking - the parade was made up of more than 5,000 peopleRecord breaking - the parade was made up of more than 5,000 people (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Traders and charity workers at the festival said they were taken aback by the solidarity shown by all in attendance.

People enjoyed live performances, a silent disco and some of the UK’s best tribute acts and drag artists on the main all-weather stage.

Mr Burton-Sampson said the event is “massively important” in helping to break down stigma against the LGBTQ+ community.

Echo: Want a flag? - flags were offered to all in attendanceWant a flag? - flags were offered to all in attendance (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Echo: Vibrant - some came dressed in dragVibrant - some came dressed in drag (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Echo: Singer - performances were delivered across four areasSinger - performances were delivered across four areas (Image: Gaz de Vere)

“We have seen hate crime go up in recent years and now it has plateaued at that higher level,” he explained.

“It means having these public events where allies of the community come together are even more important.

“Our objective is to normalise those who are LGBTQ+ within the community and show we are just normal people.”