BIGGER and better than ever before - that was the verdict as Manchester's Pride festival took over the city centre in a riot of colour and carnival theatricals for its 18th birthday party.

One of the largest festivals of its kind in Europe, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender event has drawn thousands of people from across the country for 10 days of celebrations.

But the highlight of the festivities was the record-breaking parade, taking over Manchester city centre as part of the Big Weekend for two hours on Saturday in a blaze of glitter.

Celebrating the festival's milestone 18th birthday, 87 floats took to the streets - the most to ever take part - for a parade leading from Deansgate, past the Gay Village, up to Piccadilly.

First-time procession entries included the Manchester Evening News, who were media sponsors with a rainbow-covered float entitled "It's Raining M.E.N.", and the recently-rescued Afflecks Palace.

The Gay Village's star venues also pulled out all the stops for some show-stealing floats - Essential nightclub bagging the prize for Best Commercial Entry.

But it was the show of support from groups and organisations from all walks of life that proved how far the event has come in its long and colourful history.

Public services including the NHS, and the fire and ambulance services all turned out in fancy dress for the parade.

With charities such as Age Concern and Amnesty International winning prizes for their contributions.

However, it was the massive turnout from the police - who led the parade - that will go down in history.

A total of 300 police officers from across the country assembled to walk in the parade, the biggest turn-out for a festival of its kind in the country.

"It has been absolutely fantastic, the biggest parade we have ever had," said festival manager Jackie Crozier. "There were people lining the whole route to cheer the floats on - from all over society.

"I would say now it's not just a gay parade, it's a true Manchester parade, and we are really proud of that. It's grown tremendously from when it started as a bring and buy outside a pub. Just look at it now!"

Emmerdale star Roxanne Pallett was among those lining the streets to cheer on the procession.

She said: "It has been a fantastic day, with so many nationalities and generations present, it felt quite exhilarating being there with people expressing such pride about who they were.

"I loved the music each float played on their journey through Manchester, Pink, Abba, Kylie, songs from musicals like Hairspray, it created a great vibe throughout Deansgate."

While police inspector Shane O'Neill said he was proud to have been involved in the procession itself.

"This is my first Pride event, and to be part of the biggest ever police contingent is amazing," he said. "I think it's fantastic to see how GMP supports its lesbian and gay officers."

Alison Nelson and her partner Steve Walker, from Openshaw, headed to the parade with their children Shelby, five, and Billy, aged three, and said it was a fantastic occasion for all the family.

Alison said: "It's the first year we have decided to come down to watch the parade and it's just been brilliant. The children have really enjoyed it and there's been so much to see. It's been a great day for all the family."

Musical highlights of the weekend included Sophie Ellis Bextor and Boy George. With more celebrations to come tonight with performances from Natasha Hamilton, Rowetta and Heather Small, who will sing before the poignant HIV Candlelit Vigil closing event tonight .

:: See tomorrow's M.E.N. for a Diary page special report on all the celebrity news from the event.
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