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Thousands brave heat for Bristol Pride

PA Media A shot looking down a large pride parade - in the foreground are a samba band, all holding red and white drums and dressed for a summer's day with rainbow accessories. The leader has his back to the camera to face and instruct the band, and wears a pair of rainbow wingsPA Media
A large march through the city showcased musical talent as well as lots of colour

Thousands of people have attended Bristol Pride despite the heat, with temperatures reaching more than 30C.

People gathered at Castle Park before the march through the city, ahead of a festival on The Downs which continues into the evening.

Director of the event, Daryn Carter MBE, said last year they had 25,000 on the march and 40,000 on The Downs.

"It has grown massively," he said, "We're one of the largest prides in the UK, one of the biggest events to take place in Bristol."

One person holds a huge rainbow umbrella and smiles into the camera. They are wearing large sunglasses and a sparkly red dress. Behind are lots of people in the park, some with flags, and trees behind them
There was no shortage of colour as people gathered at Castle Park before the march

It is the 16th Pride Mr Carter has delivered in Bristol, and he said it was one of their busiest years ever, with an "incredible" atmosphere.

While people could be seen piling on the suncream, he added: "We've had a bit of rain in previous years, so it's really nice to have the sun out.

"Bristol's always better in the sunshine."

PA Media A shot taken looking underneath an enormous, parachute-sized Pride flag, looking down the parade at lots of people walking with smaller flagsPA Media
The walking parade was two miles long
PA Media A shot of lots of people in a park with rainbow gear - focus on a woman holding a large rainbow umbrella to shade herself with a colourful headband tooPA Media
The heat did not deter the crowds from turning out to watch the event

Mr Carter explained that he works on it year-round, but volunteers pull it altogether on the day itself.

"Bristol is unique - we are a musical city, we are a festival city. Everyone gets behind us and becomes part of it," he said.

Three attendees smile at the camera. All wearing colourful outfits and holding fans in the heat. Two have facepaint, two have hats, including a rainbow one
Pride is one of Bristol's biggest events
PA Media Shot looking between two flags down a city road with people walking in the march - very much dressed for the heat in shortsPA Media
The parade is walking only, no floats or vehicles, for safety and to keep emissions down

The festival featured several different stages, tents and areas.

A sensory calm space was also included, aimed at autistic people and run by the charity Diverse UK.

A large crowd in a park with rainbow flags and other accessories. A disco ball on a stick can be seen held up by one attendee
Spot the disco ball

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