Let's have a party! Leeds Pride celebrates its 10th birthday in style

The rainbow flag is flying high in the sky this weekend as Leeds Pride marks its 10th birthday.
Last year's Leeds Pride celebrations.Last year's Leeds Pride celebrations.
Last year's Leeds Pride celebrations.

The annual Leeds Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGB&T) Pride celebration features a whole host of events dedicated to love, equality, sexuality and gender identity.

Most of the entertainment takes place tomorrow, with a parade and performances in Millennium Square and Lower Briggate.

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But there are also some Leeds Pride events happening today, with perhaps the most notable being a vigil from 5pm to 7pm in Sovereign Place to remember those lost and loved by the LGB&T community over the last decade.

There is also a free screening of 1996 heist movie Set It Off at Wharf Chambers at 3pm today.

Tomorrow’s party kicks off at midday in Millennium Square with the Sainsbury’s Parade stage.

There will be two hours of entertainment headlined by Soft Cell legend Marc Almond, who grew up in Leeds.

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At 2pm the hugely popular Leeds Pride parade will then weave its way through the city centre.

Everyone is invited to join thousands of people and over 50 floats taking to the city’s streets.

More entertainment starts at 3pm on the Trinity Leeds-sponsored Main Stage situated on Lower Briggate.

Acts including local band Victors, UK Eurovision duo Joe and Jake and Girls Aloud member Sarah Harding will perform for five hours before the arrival of headliner, X Factor winner and West End star Alexandra Burke.

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Around Lower Briggate there will also be a market place, funfair rides, dedicated women’s space, family and children’s area and a chill out zone run by Time to Shine project.

Leeds LGB&T Pride chair Tom Doyle said: “This is a very important year for us and I and the committee want to thank all our volunteers and supporters.

“This year the world and the global LGB&T community were shocked and saddened by the murder of 49 people in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

“This was a hate crime designed to tear out the heart of the LGB&T community.

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“In these painful times we could choose to run and hide in fear, but Leeds LGB&T Pride choose to come together, take to the streets with our families, friends and allies and celebrate the rich, diverse and dynamic LGB&T community of Leeds.”

First Direct is the official partner of this year’s Leeds Pride, with ASDA and Leeds City Council among its other sponsors and supporters.

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