The streets of Chester were transformed into a sea of colour as the city hosted its second annual Pride festival on Saturday.

Thousands of people of all ages came from far and wide to join in the festivities, which were a celebration of equality, diversity and Chester's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender culture.

Blazing sunshine came out just as the colourful walking parade began through the city centre, featuring representatives of local public sector organisations, voluntary groups, charities and sports and social groups, who handed out flyers and free gifts to the crowds as they went by.

And Cllr Bob Rudd , the Lord Mayor of Chester, couldn't hide his delight to be at the forefront of the parade, waving to the crowds as he travelled in a Roman Chariot, amidst burlesque artists, belly dancers and music from the Public and Commercial Services Union Samba Band.

Stand-outs from the parade were the Chester Pride mascot - a Roman God wearing a rainbow plume helmet sat on a throne inscribed with key dates in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and a giant Jesus figure, who delighted crowds as they marched through Eastgate Street, Northgate Street and St Werburgh Street.

Even the presence of a handful of peaceful protestors waving religious placards did not dampen crowd's spirits, and the parade continued, while the second leg of the event got underway in Grosvenor Park.

There were a whole host of varied activities for the public to enjoy, including a learning zone, lifestyle area, youth zone, kids zone, a fudge kitchen selling the sweet treat in a range of different colours, and a Glitter Lounge.

Cllr Rudd made a short speech to declare the Grosvenor Park festivities officially open, saying: "This is the first Pride festival I've ever been to and it's been just brilliant, thank you so much for inviting me along to join in. They say to make a rainbow you need both sunshine and clouds, and that is very much appropriate today."

Organiser Dave Redpath-Smith also addressed the crowd, and thanked everyone for coming to Chester Pride 2014, which was publicly endorsed by American singer and gay-rights activist Melissa Etheridge earlier this year .

"Look how far we have come in striving for equality," he said. "It is hard to believe today that being gay is still illegal in 81 countries. But there is a reason we are all here today, we are standing up against it."

And there were deafening cheers when Mr Redpath-Smith told the crowds that police had made an arrest in connection to homophobic leaflets that had been posted through some people's doors last week, ahead of the event.

Over on the main stage, there were live performances from tribute act Vicky Jackson, who pleased crowds as Katy Perry and Pink; as well as Tokyo Taboo, Sharon Wallace, Chester Rock Choir, Me and Deboe,  Wolf and Bears Aloud.

Later, the crowds were taken back to the 90s, as acts like Sonia, Rozalla, Livin Joy and Kelly Llorena took to the stage and performed some classic tracks.

The fun continued later on into the evening, with after-parties being hosted at various bars and clubs in the city, and there was nothing but praise for the whole event, from members of the crowd.

Bridie Przibram, who performed as a belly dancer told The Chronicle: "Everything has just been so brilliant. The parade was fantastic, and I just felt so safe throughout the whole thing. It couldn't have gone better."

And a family who travelled from Winsford for the festivities, added: "You just couldn't have asked for a better day."

Chester Inner Police later confirmed on Twitter that the day had passed peacefully, with no arrests and no disorder.

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