Crowds have gathered for first Pride event since Covid as million people expected to march.
People in rainbow colours gathered for the 50th anniversary of the UK's first British event.
Revellers in face paint, glitter, jewels and sequins are took part in the parade in London which was also the first since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Floats lined Park Lane ahead of the main march through the capital.
More than a million people are expected to descend on the city for the parade and associated celebrations.
As part of what organisers are calling the "biggest and most inclusive event in history", there will be a line-up of artists performing across four stages around central London.
Singer Emeli Sande, who came out publicly in April, is among those on the entertainment bill.
She posted a story on her Instagram which showed her and her partner, classical pianist Yoana Karemova, on their way to soundcheck, and later in Trafalgar Square, where preparations were under way for the day's musical extravaganza.
This year's parade, from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall, pays homage to the original 1972 march.
More than 600 LGBT+ community groups are joining the march, which will pass significant sites from the UK's first LGBT+ movement.
The march passed hugely well known lad marks and snaked its way through the centre of London bringing colour and joy to those watching.
Crowds lined the way to catch a glimpse of the spectacle, its floats and performers some of whom had travelled overseas to be there for the landmark celebrations.
Mohammed Nazir, 24, from Bangladesh, from campaign group Rainbows Across Borders, said he wanted to dedicate this year's pride to those forced to still hide their sexuality.
Many who were at the event openly displayed their love of the same sex, but also those from wider groups who were involved in the parade.
He said: "Pride is about self-affirmation, dignity and equality. It is a way to meet some other LGBTQ people. Pride is a movement where we're still fighting for our rights."
Popstar Ava Max will close the show on the Trafalgar Square stage, while other performers include Eurovision-winner Netta, Samantha Mumba and Kat Graham.
All proceeds raised from commercial partnerships are reinvested into the LGBT+ community, such as through the Unity Fund, organisers said.
The Unity Fund aims to build stronger communities by providing one-off grants to grassroots organisations, which address the needs of the UK's LGBT+ community.
Many simply watched the colourful event pass and enjoyed the atmosphere and welcome it brought.
Others got completely involved and wanted to demonstrate they had been part of something which would be remembered for decades.
But overall the event was a joyous celebration where everyone could enjoy who they were openly and without fear of anyone who was against their sexuality.
Padraigin Ni Raghillig, president of Dykes on Bikes London, a motorcycle club for gay women, rode her Harley Davidson at the front of the Pride parade.
She said it felt "fantastic" to be back after lockdown and that it was important the community came out together at least once a year.
"I think there's often a lot of debate about commercialism and it not being a protest any more, but I think there's still an element of protest and, obviously, celebration.
"And as we move forward and become more visible and have more rights and equality, potentially it's still important, I think, to at least once a year to be out and about, and to say 'we're here, we're queer, and we're not going shopping."
Padraigin added "I think there's still homophobia, I think it's, as with lots of things when they become more prominent, the negative side of things are pushed more underground.
"I think homophobia used to be more overt and I think it's probably quite subservience now, and so that is why it's really important that we're out here and that we're saying 'we're here', and we continue to thrive as a community."
The event was attended by people of all ages all eager to celebrate their identity.
In addition to those from the LBQT community, there were also straight people who wanted to celebrate along with others.
Along with participants there were also straight people who wanted to celebrate along with others and welcomed the event to London and the feelgood atmosphere it brought.
People at the event still thought the celebration was important and pointed to those who could not celebrate in their own countries because of the fear of reprisals.
Some people recognised what a privilege marching openly was and the effect it had on them and on others around them who also treasured the moment.
Stephen Sanders, 54, attended the Pride parade wearing nothing but an apron and his underwear.
He said: "Really, really missed Pride the last two years, obviously with Covid, so it's good to be back celebrating the 50 years.
"People ask 'is Pride still important?' Yes, so very important.
"Still people today that can't march, that can't be who they are, that are either stoned or killed for it, so Pride is still very important in today's age."
