A DAY of colour and inclusivity returned to the city as Colchester Pride was back for its "biggest and best event yet".

Rainbow colours took over the streets in a joyful celebration of inclusivity and diversity organised by the city's incredible LGBTQ+ community.

Thousands came to march through with flags of every colour and sexuality and signs from funny jokes to sharing important beliefs. 

Community - hundreds of people march down the streetCommunity - hundreds of people march down the street (Image: Kevin Jay)

The vibrant event started off at the Mercury Theatre and proceeded down the High Street to Firstsite Colchester, where the main event was held. 

The festivities at Firstsite saw live performances galore and a market area with food, drinks, and vendors.

Dozens of drag queens and queer icons performed on the outdoor stage with names like Shar Cooterie, Ula Lah, Dionslaye, Elektra Fence and Melodie Muse. 

Pair - two unicorns enjoying the festivities Pair - two unicorns enjoying the festivities (Image: Kevin Jay)

After Firstsite there was also a Pride afterparty at Coda and another performance at Mercury Theatre with more fabulous drag queens. 

Inside the café saw family crafts with Katie Kennedy and two shows on the indoor stage with That Girl and a pride takeover. 

A spokesman for Colchester Pride said: "Colchester Pride 2024 was our biggest and best event yet - with over 2000 LGBTQ+ community members and allies in attendance.

"We're so proud of the growing, thriving community here in Colchester and this year felt like a celebration of how far we've come in the last few years. 

"We had a bumper line-up of local legends and national stars to keep the party atmosphere going whilst also working to ensure that Colchester Pride 2024 was our most accessible and inclusive to date, with most of the main stage BSL interpreted the whole day, a new SEN quiet space and a wider range of causes and stalls on site. 

"The day started with our now annual Pride March down the High St and it was a joy to see so many people living out loud."

Fun - Natalie Sommers (pictured bottom left) with her friends at the marchFun - Natalie Sommers (pictured bottom left) with her friends at the march (Image: Natalie Sommers)

Communities boss at Colchester Council Natalie Sommers also attended the event.

She said: “I’m thrilled with the success and the incredible turnout for Colchester’s second-ever Pride march.

"Saturday’s march was such a joyful and successful event to take part in. 

"It was wonderful to see the city centre come alive, and the atmosphere at Firstsite was electric.”