Leeds Pride 2022: Thousands turn out to celebrate in sunshine in Leeds city centre
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Covid-19 pandemic prevented the annual celebrations taking place in 2020 and 2021 but with restrictions now lifted, Leeds city centre can be taken over once again.
But at 2pm today (Sunday, August 7), the Robert Payne Parade got under way in Millennium Square until it reached Lower Briggate, the venue for acts such as Tulisa and RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Lawrence Chaney.
The Yorkshire Evening Post is at the event bringing you all the latest, so scroll down for live updates throughout the day.
Live updates from Leeds Pride 2022
‘Hive of activity'
Our reporter, Tom Coates, is now live at the parade in Leeds city centre.
He said it was “a hive of activity” as revellers prepare for the main parade to start at 2pm.
Monkeypox advice from Leeds City Council
With cases rising nationally, Leeds City Council issued advice on monkeypox ahead of the celebrations.
Advice on monkeypox issued by Leeds City Council ahead of Leeds Pride 2022
Advice on monkeypox has been issued by Leeds City Council ahead of the Leeds Pride celebrations this weekend.
Tracy Brabin: “This year feels really special."
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin has said this year’s Leeds Pride “feels really special” following the two-year hiatus.
Road closures and bus route changes
To accomodate for the celebrations, several road closures and bus route changes are in place.
Full list of road closures and bus route changes for Sunday's Leeds Pride Parade as city celebrates diversity
This Sunday (August 7) Leeds Pride will bring together LGBTQI+ people from across the city for a day of fun, friendship and community spirit.
Leeds United icons in attendance!
Marching Out Together, a group for LGBT+ Leeds United supporters, will be on Cookridge Street from 1pm.
Former Leeds players Noel Whelan and Jermaine Beckford will be in attendance, as will CEO Angus Kinnear and current defender Luke Ayling.
A reminder to stay safe
Leeds City Council have reminded attendees of the ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative.
Why the parade is name after Robert Payne
Robert was the co-owner of Blayds Bar before dying suddenly of a heart attack last December.
This year, Leeds Pride have paid tribute to Robert by naming the parade after him.
His husband Duncan McCallum told the YEP: “He was just a loveable, loveable guy.”
How Leeds Pride 2022 is paying tribute to the late 'loveable' co-owner of a city centre bar
This year’s Leeds Pride parade has been named after the late Robert Payne, who was co-owner of the popular Blayds Bar.