Thousands of people lined the streets of Manchester as Pride celebrated its 21st birthday with a spectacular parade.

Rainbow flags were flying high as the parade, the centrepiece of the annual festival, took on a Best of British theme for its special anniversary celebration – with party goers from all over the world in Manchester to enjoy the Pride Big Weekend.

This year's parade, which celebrates the city's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, took on extra meaning with I Love MCR banners and flags flying the length of the route as spectators showed their support for the fightback campaign that's swept the city since the riots.

The rain held off and bright sunshine soaked the festivities as a procession featuring an array of British pop culture's finest from Coronation Street, to the Spice Girls, Benny Hill bankers and even a send up of the Royal Wedding, passed through the city centre flanked by dancers and music.

Families, couples and groups of friends all joined in the celebrations, lining the route from Deansgate down to the Gay Village where the party continued.

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