Participants urged Lithuanian politicians to recognise same-sex partnerships and adoption rights, as small counter-protests also took place along the route.

Around 18,000 people took part in Vilnius's annual Pride march on Saturday, gathering outside the National Library of Martynas Mažvydas before walking to Kalnų Parkas, where a festival concert was held.

The event, held under the banner "For Equality!", is part of the wider Lithuanian Pride festival.

This year's march carried a pointed message to politicians: that "all families in Lithuania matter."

Same-sex couples in the country currently cannot marry or jointly adopt children. Civil partnerships, though recognised by the courts, are not registered by the state – meaning couples must pursue legal recognition through the courts on a case-by-case basis.