BBC News, West of England
BBCHundreds of people have marched through the streets of Bath for a Pride event to spread “joy, resistance and community spirit”.
On Saturday, the Somerset city played host to a parade, live music, various stalls, demonstrations and performances in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Nathan Maradei, one of the organisers, said the festival was a chance to “celebrate queer identity and protest in the face of overwhelming negative pressure”.
The event returned for its second year following the success of the first official Bath Pride parade, held on 18 August last year.
Bath Pride says it celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and raises awareness about the challenges they face, including discrimination and the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights.
Mr Maradei said the volunteer-run event was an opportunity to “really get connected to the community” and celebrate diversity.
“I think the idea that an older city can’t have change is a little bit self-defeatist, and we don’t have to stick with that narrative,” he said.
“It feels really important to march through the streets of the places we walk through every day and be visible.
“Show that we don’t want to be quiet. We are here and we are not hiding.”
Liz Kombate, who works for the charity Mind, attended the march to champion awareness of mental health among the LGBTQ+ community.
“We’re here to show ally ship for the community and put Bath Mind on the map, to show we’re a safe space,” she said.
“I think it’s really important, especially now, more than ever, given the social and political climate.”
Her sister, Dolly Kombate, added: “I think there’s often this idea of places like Bath as a smaller city that it’s maybe not as progressive, but we’re here to show people that’s wrong.”