'Spectactular', ‘superb’ and ‘beautiful’ were just some of the words used to sum up the atmosphere at this year’s Chester Pride festival (Saturday October 3).

While many attended last year’s annual event , the 2015 turnout surpassed it by far, and the streets of Chester were crammed with people celebrating equality, diversity and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender culture in the city.

As the parade, consisting of dozens of local businesses, charities and public sector organisations marched through the streets of Chester in a sea of colour, the atmosphere throughout the city centre was nothing short of electric.

The streets of Chester a riot of colour for Chester Pride 2015

The Lord Mayor Cllr Hugo Deynem and his wife Deb were at the forefront of the parade, which began at Castle Square before moving up through Lower Bridge Street in a loop of the city centre before eventually arriving back at Castle Square for a day of entertainment.

Despite a group of peaceful protestors waving anti-Pride placards, the parade went without a hitch and Chester truly came alive as the likes of Cheshire Police , Cheshire Fire and Rescue , Cheshire West and Chester Council leader Samantha Dixon , Chester MP Chris Matheson and the county’s Police & Crime Commissioner John Dwyer marched through waving Pride banners and rainbow flags.

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And the Cheshire Constabulary band well and truly got into the spirit of the day, playing numbers like ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Is this the way to Amarillo’ on the trumpet.

Related : Hate crime warning from Cheshire Police ahead of Chester Pride

One onlooker described the spirit of the city as ‘spectacular’ and praised the local support given to the event, which was evident from the thousands of people that turned out for it, lining the streets and rows throughout Chester.

As the festivities returned to Castle Square, Cllr Deynem kicked off proceedings to loud cheers and said he was proud to be part of the parade which got ‘bigger and better each year’.

Lord Mayor Hugo Deynem and his wife Deb were at the forefront of the parade, Chester Pride 2015

“Cheshire West and Chester Council are committed to promoting all of the benefits diversity brings to the borough,” he told the crowd. “I am genuinely proud to be able to declare Chester Pride 2015 officially open.”

There were also a few words from Sue Fox, CEO of M&S Bank who sponsor Chester Pride, who said she was delighted to be supporting an event that creates the opportunity to bring everyone together.

“It is very important for us at M&S to understand value and respect and that all our employees feel supported so they can truly be their best,” she said.

“Events like this that bring people together in such a fabulous environment help with that.”

And at the request of Chester Pride director David Redpath-Smith, there was a poignant minute’s silence for all the people in the world who ‘felt unable to be themselves.’

“A woman asked me the other day why we needed to have Pride. Well we need it because being gay is still illegal in some countries in the world. In certain places you can be put to death for it. That’s why we have Pride.

"We need to feel free to hold hands with the people we love."

"With that in mind I want us to have a minute’s silence to remember all the people out there who feel they cannot be themselves and cannot take part in events like the one we are holding today,” he said.

Chester Pride 2015 parade

Afterwards, the party got started, with music on the main stage from Chester girl band Indigo City. Others providing musical contributions to the day included Shagger, Chester Operatic Society, Sharon Wallace, Jason Prince, Kelly Wilde, Jess Kemp, Angie Brown, Viaduct Starlets, Pop Vox Choir, Melissa Totten as Madonna, Click 22, Baby Brave, Jason Dignam, Mavmac and Harmonee.

DJ and singer Sonique, who had a string of hits in the early ‘00s is set to headline tonight’s main stage from 6.30pm.

Meanwhile over in The Glitter Lounge, there were cabaret and burlesque performances, drag makeovers, and a lip-syncing competition. Family entertainment included face painting, a funfair, roller blading and ‘Youth Zone’, as well as dozens of stalls selling food and various other items.

It is fair to say this year’s Chester Pride really has been bigger and better than ever before - a true testament of how keen Chester is to celebrate acceptance and equality in all walks of life.

A number of after parties will take place in various places in Chester on Saturday night, including at Liverpool Arms from 8pm, Bar 6T9 from 10pm, Telfords Warehouse where entry is £4 after 9pm and at The Old Queens Head from 8pm.