Southend's 2025 Pride is a hit as thousands join parade

Since Southend Pride launched in 2018, the annual Pride festival has become a stand out date in the city's events calendar and Saturday was no different. 

As the sun beat down on Southend during the weekend's heatwave, the event kicked off with a colourful parade through the High Street before a festival was held in Warrior Square. 

Hot - People used fans to keep cool during the heatwave (Image: Gaz de Vere) Flags - The crowds waved flags and other pride apparel (Image: Gaz De Vere)

Matt Dent, Southend councillor for culture, attended the Pride event.He said: “The day was fantastic it was busier than ever and as in previous years it was a massive success.

"A real acceptation of love is love and embracing people for who they are, and it was extremely well organised by those people behind it.

Team - A sports team at the event (Image: Gaz De Vere) Colourful - Visitors wore plenty of colour including in their hair (Image: Gaz De Vere)

He added: “I think it shows that Southend is a tolerant and accepting place, it shows we have a real diversity in our community and it something we are proud of, and we can promote it.

“All of the musical acts were fantastic - there was some real talent on display."It was just a fantastic celebration of those who make Southend what it is.”

Entertainment - There were also live acts at the Pride event (Image: Gaz De Vere) Performer - A drag artist at the event (Image: Gaz De Vere) The event, sponsored by Fiserv UK, kicked off at 11am on Saturday with the march moving down the High Street and towards Warrior Square from noon.

Martial arts academy Brazilarte and sports club Kangoo were also at Royal Square to add "rhythm and bounce" to the Pride March.

Volunteers - The event was a success due to the efforts of volunteers (Image: Gaz De Vere) March - The Pride March has been a tradition for over 60 years (Image: Gaz De Vere) Activism - On April 16, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex which many Pride activists say is a blow to the rights of society’s most vulnerable.(Image: Gaz de Vere)

Turnout -  (Image: Gaz De Vere)There was entertainment from 12.30pm at Warrior Square gardens with acts such the YMCA's All IN one, The Show Choir, and Pink Phoney Club in attendance.

The pride organisers also thanked the volunteers for their hard work in ensuring the event was another huge success. 

Taking to Facebook, they said: "It takes a big team to make these celebrations happen.

"Not only are you donating your time, but you are helping others create memories that will last a lifetime and supporting a local charity. We couldn't do this without you."To find out more visit southendpride.org.uk.