Picture slideshow: Portsmouth Pride

Thousands of people marched through the streets of Portsmouth in a blaze of colour to show their support to the LGBT community.
The march makes its way to Southsea Common, led by Lord Mayor David Fuller 		  Picture: Mick Young (160762-04)The march makes its way to Southsea Common, led by Lord Mayor David Fuller 		  Picture: Mick Young (160762-04)
The march makes its way to Southsea Common, led by Lord Mayor David Fuller Picture: Mick Young (160762-04)

Scores of revellers, armed with rainbow flags and banners, joined the second Portsmouth Pride event.

The celebration began with a tribute to the victims of last week’s atrocity in Orlando, Florida which saw 49 people killed by gunman Omar Mateen in a gay club.

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A one-minute silence was held in Guildhall Square, with tributes also being paid to Labour MP Jo Cox, who was killed in Birstall, West Yorkshire, on Thursday.

Portsmouth’s Lord Mayor councillor David Fuller led tributes and the parade through the city.

He said: ‘I’m so proud of Portsmouth.

‘We will not be intimidated by atrocities like those in Orlando.’

The parade saw revellers marching from Guildhall, along Hampshire Terrace to Southsea Common where there was a huge, nine-hour music festival.

The march makes its way to Southsea Common, led by Lord Mayor David Fuller 		  Picture: Mick Young (160762-04)The march makes its way to Southsea Common, led by Lord Mayor David Fuller 		  Picture: Mick Young (160762-04)
The march makes its way to Southsea Common, led by Lord Mayor David Fuller Picture: Mick Young (160762-04)
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Suzette Dionne, 45, of Portsmouth was one of the people to attend the action.

She said: ‘Today has been absolutely amazing – I have been blown away by the support.

‘It’s definitely bigger than the one last year.’

Friend Karl Wood, 39, of Southsea was touched by the show of solidarity after the Orlando tragedy.

The 
Portsmouth Pride march 
Picture Mick Young
 (160762-06)The 
Portsmouth Pride march 
Picture Mick Young
 (160762-06)
The Portsmouth Pride march Picture Mick Young (160762-06)

‘I have friends in Orlando and I was really worried when I heard the news about the killings,’ he added.

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‘So it was great to see so many people here today paying their respects.

‘That was really moving to me.’

Lieutenant Kristoffer Esbensen, 29, was one of those from the Royal Navy to join Pride, alongside ET Joe Moore, 20.

The march makes its way to Southsea Common, led by Lord Mayor David Fuller 		  Picture: Mick Young (160762-04)The march makes its way to Southsea Common, led by Lord Mayor David Fuller 		  Picture: Mick Young (160762-04)
The march makes its way to Southsea Common, led by Lord Mayor David Fuller Picture: Mick Young (160762-04)

Speaking of the event, Lt Esbensen, who is based on Whale Island, said: ‘It’s been a huge privilege to come here and represent the Royal Navy.

‘We’re in the top 10 of the 100 best employers and we’re world-leaders when it comes to equal rights.

‘So I’m proud to be here representing the navy.’

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Sarah Renda, chairman of Portsmouth Pride, said about 6,000 people joined the day.

‘It’s been incredible,’ she said. ‘There are so many more people here and we’ve got a lot more bands and musicians for them to enjoy.

‘We’re definitely going to make next year’s event bigger and better.’

Portsmouth South MP Flick Drummond joined the day, alongside fellow city MP Penny Mordaunt and council leader Donna Jones.

She said: ‘Days like today really show how great the city of Portsmouth is.’