Belfast Pride Parade. Photo: Luke Jervis
Belfast Pride Parade. Photo by Luke Jervis
Colourful scenes in Belfast at the Pride parade. Photo by Luke Jervis.
Belfast Pride Parade. Photo by Luke Jervis.
Pride flags for sale ahead of the Belfast Pride Parade, in the city centre. Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Belfast Pride Parade on the 25th July 2025 (Photo by Luke Jervis)
Crowds have gathered in Belfast as the Pride parade makes its way through the city.
Thousands of spectators are watching the march, which is the highlight of a series of events in recent days.
It moved off shortly after 1pm.
Belfast Pride Parade. Photo by Luke Jervis
First staged in 1991, it has grown to be the largest cross-community parade in Belfast.
This year’s theme is “Not Going Back”, which organisers say refers to LGBTQIA+ rights being “under attack, here and across the world”.
However, there has been controversy in the build-up with some politicians asked to stay away.
Sinn Fein, the DUP, Alliance and UUP – the four Executive parties – were told by Pride organisers they were not welcome at the parade because they supported a ban on puberty blockers for under-18s.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said she hoped the parade was a success.
In a message on social media, she said: “Happy Belfast Pride to everyone celebrating today, I hope it’s filled with joy and love for you all.
“Your courage over many years has helped transform our society for the better.
“As your First Minister, I’m committed to building a future where everyone in our LGBTQIA+ community is seen, valued, and treated equally.
“Be proud. Be you. today and every day. Have a wonderful day.”