Thousands of people took to the streets today for Oxford Pride, which celebrated its 21st year.

Rainbow colours paraded the city to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, with people of all ages turning up to show their support.

The march began at Radcliffe Square at approximately 10.40am with dancers and drummers leading the way through the city centre.

Bubbles, flags and cheers filled the air as the parade passed through Broad Street, Cornmarket Street, Queen Street, Bonn Square and came to an end on Castle Street just after the County Hall, where flags were flying from the building. 

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The County Hall flew flags from the windowsThe County Hall flew flags from the windows (Image: Newsquest)

Melissa, 33 from Abingdon attended today, making it her fourth year at pride. She said: "It's a day to be out and proud and be who you are and have some fun.

"There's magic in the air, people in the streets - there's going to be good vibes all day."

Libby, 23 and also from Abingdon, said: "I'm a youth worker by profession, so I'm here supporting young people and just encouraging them to be their true selves and to share the love."

Melissa (left) and Libby (right)Melissa (left) and Libby (right) (Image: Newsquest)

Sarah and Sue, who live just outside of Oxford, attended the parade with charity Oxford Samaritans, showcasing their sparkles and waving their flags.

Sarah said: "“It was brilliant, really good fun.

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"Lots of people, good turnout, jolly atmosphere – all the right ingredients for a good parade.”

Sue said: "“I think it’s very special because it gives people a lot of opportunities to see they are not alone –  that’s why the Samaritans are here, making sure there’s a voice at the end of the phone.”

Sarah (left) and Sue (right) Sarah (left) and Sue (right) (Image: Newsquest)

Kirsty and Frankie, who live in Oxford, got married last September and were celebrating Pride together.

They haven't attended Pride since before the pandemic.

They described this years event as "brilliant".

Kirsty, 33, said: "The music is amazing with the band and just the atmosphere is brilliant."

Frankie, 34, agreed and added: "I think it's a very chilled and relaxed day."

Kirsty (left) and Frankie (right)Kirsty (left) and Frankie (right) (Image: Newsquest)

Lottie, 26, travelled from London to celebrate Pride in Oxford today with her partner, Kevin. 

"It's our first Pride parade in Oxford, it's a really good turnout and it's really exciting.

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"It's so cool, I just feel like there's such a great sense of community."

Lottie and her partner, KevinLottie and her partner, Kevin (Image: Newsquest)

After the march, celebrations continued at Oxford Castle Quarter, Leiden Square and Paradise Gardens.

They will continue all throughout the night too, with the Official Pride After Party taking place 9pm until 6am at The Plush Lounge.