Thousands brought a rainbow of colour to the streets of Leicester as the Gay Pride Festival returned.

Around 5,000 people turned out for the lesbian and gay parade, which saw drag queens, dancers and drummers bedecked in an array of weird and wonderful costumes.

After a two-year absence, participants waving flags and balloons were loud and proud as they snaked through the city centre on Saturday.

The parade culminated with a huge street party in Belgrave Gate, which was closed to traffic as revellers partied.

Tara Lowe, 22, who lives in the city centre, said: "This is my third Gay Pride in Leicester. We've got a big gay community in Leicester and we're all celebrating who we are. We're all out and proud."

Couple Stevie Sheriff and Abby Whitmore, from Mowmacre Hill, donned colourful facepaint to support the parade.

Abby, 22, said: "It's just a chance to show people that we don't care what anyone thinks.

"It's really good that it's come back."

Jeremy Dawson, 47, took part with team members from the Leicester Wildecats Football Club, for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and community.

He said: "I'm here promoting the Wildecats but I think this is good because it can only help people who may be questioning their sexuality.

"It also makes other people know that there is a gay community in Leicester."

People lined the streets as the carnival passed through to market stalls and stage set up in Belgrave Gate.

Becky Reid, 20, of Birstall, was part of a group of drinkers and staff from the Rainbow and Dove pub, in Charles Street.

She said: "This shows people that there is nothing to discriminate against."

Jason Pugh, of the Royal Oak pub, in Belgrave Gate, dressed in a Village People-inspired outfit of leather chaps and a waistcoat.

The 38-year-old: "I'm not gay but it's just a really good day.I'm just supporting it and enjoying it."

The event had been given £10,000 from the Awards for All lottery fund. Leicester City Council donated £3,000, while Quebec nightclub donated a further £5,000.

Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Centre and the Trade sexual health charity, both on Wellington Street, in the city.

Event manager Lee Aldred said he was "thrilled" with the turnout.

He said: "It's been great, really great fun."

Despite "hate-filled" anti-gay posters appearing in the city, police said there was no trouble on the day. A spokesman said: "It all went very well. It was very well organised and everyone enjoyed themselves."

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