Leeds Pride rainbow balloons release in memory of Orlando victims

Last year 180 company staff joined the parade, making them the biggest group to take part.

And this year Headingley store manager Jemma Kameen will lead more than 400 colleagues who have pledged their support for the celebrations.

Jemma, who has been nominated for a number of awards for her work with Leeds Pride, jointly leads diversity scheme Proud@Sainsbury’s.

“We’re really proud to be sponsoring Leeds Pride again,” she said. “This year’s event promises to be even bigger and better than last year.

“Sainsbury’s ambition is to be the most trusted retailer where people love to work and shop and being inclusive plays a really important part in this. We want to create an environment of equal opportunities in which we can all be the best we can be.”

Sainsbury’s will also sponsor the Parade stage in Millennium Square for the second year.

The Voice star Tom Rickels, who works as a fishmonger at one of the supermarket chain’s Bristol branches, will be among the opening acts performing at the event.

Mr Rickels said: “I’m incredibly proud to be singing at this event. It’s fantastic to know that I will be supported by over 400 Sainsbury’s colleagues who are coming to the event. That’s more than double the number who went last year and we’re looking forward to turning Leeds orange with our t-shirts.”