Special Ora to this year's Pride party

REVELLERS REFUSE TO LET PROTESTS SPOIL CELEBRATIONS

- ADAM MAIDMENT, JENNA CAMPBELL

AS the sea of revellers taking part in this year's Manchester Pride parade made their way down the city centre wearing a dazzling assortment of outfits, there was one small group of individuals outside of the barrier trying to disrupt proceedings.

But rather than letting the individuals on Peter Street dampen spirits of the parade as they attempted to wax lyrical about sinful behaviour, a defiant message rang out across the streets from the 17,000 people in attendance that they will not be silenced.

Instead, a parade of car honks, vuvuzelas and cheers - all soundtracked by the likes of the Spice Girls, Girls Aloud and Lady Gaga drowned out the noise with a vibrant celebration of joy and unity.

It's appropriately fitting with the parade's Buzzin to be Queer theme, inspired by the spirit of the Worker Bee and encapsulates the soul of Manchester.

Officially the biggest parade to take part in Manchester Pride's history - with more than 260 organisations, corporations, clubs and charities all taking part, the slight appearance of rain also failed to ruin the vibe of the event.