WITH sea of colour, flags, and glitter, Southend Pride returned at the weekend as thousands gathered to celebrate and support the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

More than 1,000 people took part in the parade on Pier Hill on Saturday, marching down towards Warrior square where the festivities went on until 8pm.

Happy – crowds of people dance in the afternoon sunshineHappy – crowds of people dance in the afternoon sunshine (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Those with the energy to party into the night then headed to the Cliff Pub as the curtain came down on the event for another year.

Treats – Peter Brown from the Leigh Operatic and Dramatic Society throws lollipops to the crowdTreats – Peter Brown from the Leigh Operatic and Dramatic Society throws lollipops to the crowd (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Sam Adam, the chair of Southend Pride, said the 6,000 people who attended the occasion showed it has grown considerably since it made its debut in the city six years ago.

In the period since, Pride has increased in stature and visibility, demonstrated by Crystal from Drag Race UK headlining the event.

Highlight – Crystal from Drag Race UK was the best-known performer on the dayHighlight – Crystal from Drag Race UK was the best-known performer on the day (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Chair of Southend Pride, Sam Adams, was delighted.

She said: “There performances were brilliant and we had some amazing acts on the stage – Crystal was the highlight.

Hosts – Ruby Violet and Ashley Edwards led the proceedingsHosts – Ruby Violet and Ashley Edwards led the proceedings (Image: Gaz de Vere)

“They approached us about a year or so ago and said they were happy to help in any way they could – they wanted to give back to the community and saw Southend as the best way of doing that.”

Performance – singer and songwriter Kyle Finn was a hit with the crowdsPerformance – singer and songwriter Kyle Finn was a hit with the crowds (Image: Gaz de Vere)

She continued: “The festival itself seemed to be bigger and better than it has been in previous years – we had 6,000 attendees over the course of the day, which was brilliant.”

Although the day ran from noon until 8pm for participants, the day for organisers was much longer.

Popular – more than 6,000 people attended Southend Pride 2024Popular – more than 6,000 people attended Southend Pride 2024 (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Ms Adams, 58 from Westcliff, arrived on-site at 6am with an army of volunteers and committee members to set up the stage, fences and stalls.

Once she saw the event unfold, it encapsulated why all the efforts are worthwhile.

Proud – a participant shows off the Pride flagProud – a participant shows off the Pride flag (Image: Gaz de Vere)

“The best part for me is on the day when you see the people in the parade and at the festival with that amazing atmosphere – you look around and everybody is so happy and relaxed.”

Retro – Laura Lou performed an '80s set to the crowdRetro – Laura Lou performed an '80s set to the crowd (Image: Gaz de Vere)

She added the work put in by members of the LGBTQ+ movement is not confined to one day a year.

Solidarity – Crystal and Kenzie Blackheart post for a photographSolidarity – Crystal and Kenzie Blackheart post for a photograph (Image: Gaz de Vere)

“We work all year round and have regular monthly groups like Queer Wellbeing and Queer Families – we’re on the go support people all year.”

Photos: Gaz de Vere