Colourful celebrations and fun have filled the city for Southend Pride today.

Thousands joined the parade from Pier Hill through the High Street and to Warrior Square Gardens where a fun festival is now being held.

Echo:

The high street was packed with people who dressed for the occasion to watch the colourful parade.

The annual summer’s event celebrates the LGBTQ+ community but has been cancelled in previous years due to the Covid pandemic.

Echo:

Acts taking part today include Love To Sign Choir, singer songwriter Kyle Finn, The Vox Choir, Leigh Operatic Dramatic Society and many more.

Echo:

Chair Sam Adams said: “Well we were here from 6am this morning and got everything set up, we had the march and we think there was about 2,000 in the parade which is amazing.

Echo:

“Everybody is here in Warrior Square and it’s looking absolutely gorgeous, there’s colour everywhere, people are happy, the suns shining, what more could you ask for.

Echo:

“On the stage we’ve got live entertainment until 8pm and have some amazing acts on stage, don’t miss a thing. Our headliner is Jordan Gray and she is fabulous so don’t miss her.

Echo:

“We’ve got stalls all day, we’ve got food and drink businesses and a couple of bars so just come down it’s very family friendly and everyone’s included and welcome.

Echo:

“To have the event back and so successful it’s just amazing, coming down the high street with the parade I really did feel quite tearful, looking around seeing everybody and how much it was needed and how much people wanted to come.

Echo:

“It’s about people being able to be out and proud in a safe space in their city and welcome and that’s what’s important in the place where you live, to be yourself.”