A joyous parade brimming with colourful costumes in celebration of diversity made its way through Kent’s streets today.

The procession left Westgate Towers in Canterbury this morning at 11am, and progressed along the High Street, down Longmarket, onto Burgate, and then via Sunstreet, Sun Yard, and Guildhall Street.

Throngs of people came out in support of Canterbury Pride by lining the streets and waving flags and banners to cheer the walkers on.

Returning to the High Street, the parade continued to Westgate Gardens, where the celebrations will continue this afternoon with community stalls and food vendors.

The annual event is one of many in Kent celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community, with emphasis on acceptance, equality, and the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities.

Typically, the event ends in a spectacle at the Dane John Gardens, with live acts on stage, but it has been curtailed this year due to the park being closed for renovation work.

Organisers said: “It was important to find a way of ensuring that Pride could still happen in the city this year -even if it looks a little different.

“The Pride Canterbury team has worked tirelessly all year to ensure the city continues to celebrate Pride in a meaningful way.”

“Today is something special, inclusive and local for people to enjoy.”

It is expected that Pride will return to Dane John Gardens in 2026.