For the past 20 years Manchester has held a Gay Pride event on August Bank Holiday weekend. From small beginnings the event has grown year-on-year, raising ever greater financial sums for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual & Transgender) charities, whilst welcoming larger numbers of people to a relaxed weekend of fun, colour and partying.

Each year a parade of brightly coloured floats, bands, clubs, charities & professional organisations march through the streets of Manchester as the party really gets going on Saturday. This year's Parade was lead by Sir Ian McKellan.

Huge crowds gather to watch the parade pass, bringing together the young and old, people from all ethnic groups, religions and classes without prejudice.

Each year the various groups theme their floats, this one was 'Coronation Street' Bet Lynch, eat your heart out, Annie Walker would be spinning in her grave!

It's not long since it would have been unacceptible for a Police officer to admit being gay, let alone to march with pride under a banner proclaiming the fact! It was one of the things which actually prevented me from enrolling when I first left college.

The Gay Village is home to The Prairie Dogs Line-dancing team, as well as the Gay Gordons Highland Dance troupe.

No matter what the theme, the floats are always bright and colourful, lending to the whole party atmosphere.

Even the odd, but suitably coloured and customised, truck puts in an appearance pulling the floats!

... Not to mention Cheshire Fire Brigades pink fire-tender making the most of the event!

Despite the repeated sudden rain showers, the convoy continued to parade slowly past, to the cheers of the crowd.

There was some light-hearted banter as to if this lot wouldn't have been better off peddling not on the back of the float!

But the Pride Parade is really all about fun, and none would really be complete without:

The navy... or..

... the army???

Or...

Her Majesty & Biggest Queen in the Village...!

And then it was gone, and everyone headed off back into the Village proper, for much needed food and liquid refreshment!

Thanks for reading!