A RAINBOW of banners and flags covered the city on Saturday as Oxford Pride returned for another year.

Spectators lined the streets and hundreds marched through the city centre for the launch of Oxford’s biggest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) festival.

Oxford Mail:

A couple enjoy the festivities

Revellers later filled Paradise Street and Oxford Castle Quarter for the annual festivities.

David Boyle, 23, said it was his first visit to the festival and added: “It was amazing. It was very colourful.

“I think there is still a lot of division between the LGBT community and the straight community. Anything we can do to change that is awesome.”

A wave of colours filled the city centre as people proudly marched from Ship Street to Oxford Castle Quarter at midday before making their way to the main event.

Oxford University researcher Rupert Alison donned a neon pink tutu and hat for the procession.

The 50-year-old, from East Oxford, said: “It was a great celebration for sexuality and self-expression and equality for all.

“Historically a lot of groups have been repressed or treated like outsiders, or worse. It’s great people come together and then there’s that safety in numbers and power in numbers.”

Singers, bands, dancers and choirs entertained visitors until the late evening, with prizes handed out for the the best costume and best dressed couple.

Oxford Mail:

Hundreds marched through the city centre to celebrate the annual event

Julia Wright enjoyed the festivities with her black pug Monty, who was Pride’s official mascot.

The 42-year-old, of Headington, said: “Monty loved it. Pride celebrates us being able to be who we are.”

Anna Cheetham, 32, who travelled to the festival with her partner Cara Pembridge, 24, said: “Community is all we have and the stronger the community, the stronger the city and the stronger the nation.”

Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson, who plays Ste Hay, stole the limelight when co-hosting the event, while a 15-strong team from the county’s Nandos restaurants lent their support.

Thames Valley Police’s Gay Police Association chairwoman Kelly Reed brought a team from across the Thames Valley area.

The patrol inspector said: “We were there to show people that Thames Valley Police are a positive employer for LGBT staff.”