More than 20,000 take to streets for Glasgow Pride march

This weekend's Pride Mardi Gla was the first major Pride in Europe to have the theme of bisexuality.

Dame Barbra La Bush, Queen of Pride, said: "As one of the first drag queens in the UK I remember when I was spat on and attacked before my performances but at Glasgow's Pride something remarkable happened.

"I addressed over 20,000 people from my throne on the Butterfly Lounge float and there was an amazing feeling of love as Glasgow held the largest ever pride march in Scotland and this is testament to the decades of work done in the fight for LGBT+ equality by so many decent people.

"I thank Glaswegians from the bottom of my heart for taking part in this important display that again our city is demonstrating that we have moved from the tough shipbuilders of the world to a modern European city that is tolerant and respects everyone because love is love."

An anti-abortion protest was taking place in George Square simultaneously as Pride.

Police formed a ring around the protestors, however, a counter-protest began. 

People held signs reading "men shouldn't be making laws about women's bodies" and "my body, my choice".

Speeches took place at 11.30am in Glasgow Green before thousands marched through the city centre and finished in George Square.

But the fun didn't stop there, as several after events took place at a Pride Hub at Strathclyde Students' Union.

Singers and drag queens took to the stage on Saturday and Sunday. Drag bingo was also played and information stalls were set up. 

Annemarie Kelly, head of the Pride Hub, said: "I have been involved in Pride marches for many years in Glasgow and across the country but this weekend I was prouder than ever before at the sheer volume of people, both LGBT+ and our allies that flooded the streets of Glasgow with the rainbow flag.

"Our Pride Hub was an outstanding success and we will repeat this next year with the support of our communities. 

"Many gay venues in the city have reported their busiest trading day ever and this gives Glasgow's Pride a firm footing to grow even further in the years ahead."

There was also a youth and family zone, a health and wellbeing zone, a sport and activities zone as well as a debates zone in association with Scullion Law where Police Scotland and the Crown Office spoke about the rise in hate crimes in Scotland.

Organisers said: "Yesterday was amazing thanks to you marching with Pride. Glasgow was awash with vibrant colours and love as 20 thousand of us brought the city to a standstill."