Londoners, dressed in all the colours of the rainbow, will pack the downtown this weekend for the culminating event of the Pride London Festival.
The 23rd annual London Pride Parade is slated for Sunday. With 121 organizations signed up to participate, this year's parade will be the largest in Pride London's history.
"We have about ten more entries over last year. So we are certainly growing every single year," said Chad Callander, vice president of the Pride London Festival. "It doesn't necessarily matter about the size though. What matters is that our community supports us and that everyone comes out to celebrate pride."
London police, the London Transit Commission, various church groups and unions, as well as members from all political parties are among those who will be marching in the parade.
Suzanne Couture, 62, will be this year's Parade Grand Marshall.
"(Couture) is significant because she actually fought to have the first gay proclamation here in London. When they wouldn't give it to her she took a group and walked along the sidewalk in front of then Mayor Dianne Haskett's house and spread fairy dust," said Callander. "She has also been very involved in the LGBT community for a number of years. We are so happy to have her as our Grand Marshall."
Callander notes the parade is a chance to celebrate acceptance and make sure every member of the LGBT community feels safe and supported.
"Even for myself it was difficult for me to come out, It's a struggle for most people at some point. I remember my first parade, walking in it and seeing my family there, feeling that love, and recognizing that they love you no matter who you are or what part of the spectrum you represent," said Callander. "It really is a great chance for you to feel the love of your community, that you are supported, that we celebrate you, and everyone is welcome."
The parade begins at 12:30pm at the Western Fair District parking lot on Ontario St. From there it will travel west on Queens Ave. onto Wellington St., then head north on Wellington St. to Wolfe St. It ends at Victoria Park where closing speeches will be made.
The final weekend of the 11 day long Pride London Festival also includes a free outdoor festival in Victoria Park from Friday to Sunday. The downtown park will be filled with food vendors, information booths from several community organizations, live entertainment, and a beer garden. The outdoor festival runs 6pm-11pm Friday, 11am-11pm Saturday, and 11am- 6pm Sunday.
For a full list of Pride London Festival events click here.
