Thousands Join Pride Parade in London

One million people will descend on central London for the

annual Pride parade, the culmination of a fortnight-long
festival of performances and events.
Pride in London, which finishes on 26th June 2016, features
a full program of performances, talks and events designed to
celebrate gay history and culture, as well as foster connections
between LGBT communities across the country.
As part of the celebration, the "green man" pedestrian
crossings signals at Trafalgar Square have been replaced with
LGBT symbols.
Roughly 50 lights will feature the new designs, which include
same-sex couples holding hands to create a heart shape. The
temporary lights, which also include the widely recognized
transgender symbol, were inspired by a similar project in
Vienna last year.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was "very proud" of the
capital's LGBT community and the city's diversity and
acceptance.
"These new signals show that we stand shoulder to shoulder
with them and display the tolerance and celebration of
difference in our city," he said.
Pride in London director Alison Camps added: "For many
people, acceptance and tolerance is a luxury they don't have
and these lights are another display of how welcoming and
accepting London is"
Events started on 10th June and will continue until 26th June.
The crown jewels of the celebrations – three live stages and
the grand parade – take place on 25th June.
More than 300 groups, including charities, professions,
religious groups and the armed forces, will be represented in
the march. The majority of the parade will be on foot,
although the Houses of Parliament, Royal Mail and Tesco are
among the government agencies, sponsors and corporations
who will be represented by a float.
The Pride in London Parade leaves from Portland Place at 1
pm and makes its way through Oxford Street, Oxford Circus
and Piccadilly Circus, ending up at Whitehall at around 4.30
pm.
The main stage in Trafalgar Square will feature live
entertainment from noon until 8 pm, with acts including the
London Gay Big Band and the cast of Kinky Boots, plus a
few surprise guests. The concert is free, but there is a £3
suggested donation at the entrance.
There will also be a Women's Stage on Dean Street and a
Cabaret Stage on Wardour Street, both with acts performing
from 1pm until 7.30 pm.

Source : www.theweek.co.uk