Hundreds of marchers took part in a seaside town’s Pride parade, the first there since the pandemic.

Folkestone Pride 2023 started with a march of colourfully-dressed participants going from the Town Hall in Guildhall Street from 1pm yesterday.

It was estimated that 300 people took part in the parade itself, watched by crowds of spectators on the roadside.

The paraders, going via Sandgate Road and West Terrace, ended their route at the Leas Bandstand and a picnic took place on The Leas between 2pm and 6pm.

More live music was played at the Leas Cliff Hall at an after party that evening.

Performers booked included trans-led punk group Cool Hot Rockers, DJ collective Bimbeaux, alternative circus performer Symone, local drag legends, cabaret performers, and more.

Pride is in most towns and is to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. The summer parade in Folkestone is the biggest Pride event for that town’s group.

More than 1,000 people took part in the last such event there in 2019.

It had to be given up during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and could only return in limited from in 2021 without the parade

Folkestone Pride is an umbrella for the Folkestone and Hythe district’s whole LGBTQIA+ community.

Apart from organising an annual parade it provides safe spaces for people to meet, socialise, and learn.

It raises awareness, education, and advice on issues that face its community.

Pride events continue this summer in other towns, some with full details still to be announced.

Tonbridge. Tonbridge Castle, Saturday, August 5.

Margate. Dreamland fairground, Saturday, August 12.

Medway. Rochester city centre, Monday, August 14, to Saturday, August 19.

Dover. March from Biggin Hall, Biggin Street, Dover, Saturday, August 26.

Swale. Oasis Academy , Sheerness. Saturday, September 2.