Today12:25 BSTFlagbearers carry huge rainbow flag through LondonBikers kicked off the start of London's Pride parade this afternoon, and now we have the flagbearers transporting the giant rainbow flag - the symbol of LGBTQ pride, and of course, a party float with music.The festivities are now well underway as spectators and parade-goers can be heard blowing whistles, singing along and dancing.Bikers kick-started the parade(Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)Today12:18 BSTWatch - London Pride Parade 2026 liveToday12:16 BSTPride Parade kicks off for iconic march through capitalWe're off now - the London Pride parade has started.A quick glimpse at the front of the parade shows dozens of bikers, of course donning rainbow flags, transgender flags and signs.Hundreds of thousands of parade goers are now marching through the capital, setting off from Hyde Park towards Piccadilly Circus.The parade will continue to head south down Haymarket and Trafalgar Square before the finale at Whitehall.London Pride parade is due to start this afternoon(Image: Getty Images)The parade has started(Image: AFP via Getty Images)The parade has started(Image: Getty Images)Today12:06 BSTThe best spots to watch the paradeSpectators heading out to the parade this afternoon are being encouraged to use the following stations:Bond StreetCharing CrossEmbankmentLeicester SquareOxford CircusTottenham Court RoadVictoriaA parade-goer preparing for the celebrations(Image: Getty Images)Today12:03 BSTMayor of London sports England top at Pride in LondonThe Mayor of London Saqid Khan is showing his support to the LGBTQ+ community by attending the London Pride event again today.Khan has been spotted sporting an England FC t-shirt, in anticipation of England v Mexico's World Cup match in the early hours of Monday morning.In a post on X, the Mayor wrote: "Happy Pride, London!"At my Pride Reception earlier this week, we celebrated love, authenticity and the trailblazers who paved the way for our LGBTQIA+ communities to live openly and proudly today."Content cannot be displayed without consentIn another post he penned: "Today at Pride in London, we’ll show the world that love will always triumph over hate."Today11:58 BSTLondon Pride bids for WorldPride 2032 The big parade comes today as Pride In London confirmed earlier this year it would bid for WorldPride 2032 on the event's 60th anniversary.The giant WorldPride event takes place every two years and invites the international LGBTQ+ community and its allies to celebrate the community in a huge 10-day festival.Pride In London’s interim CEO and Co-Chair of WorldPride Bid 2023, Rebecca Paisis said: “Pride began as protest, and that spirit remains at the heart of everything we do.“Marking 60 years since London’s first march by hosting WorldPride 2032 would give us the opportunity to welcome the world to our city.“It would unite us in solidarity and action at a time when LGBTQIA+ rights are being challenged globally.”The parade today comes as London Pride bids for WorldPride in 2032(Image: Getty Images)Today11:50 BSTPride Parade in pictures as attendees prepare for celebrationParade-goers holding the rainbow pride flag(Image: Getty Images)The parade is due to start this afternoon(Image: Getty Images)Lots of rainbow colours and festivities will be seen across the capital today(Image: Getty Images)Today11:47 BSTWhere is the family area at London Pride?There is a dedicated family and youth zone over in Victoria Embankment Gardens.The line-up for performances there include Aida from Drag Queen Story Hour, Andi from Dadda and Daddy, Badge Cafe, Brass United Social Club, Face painting by Carnivelle Party, David Ribi, Emma from at your Beat!, Joelle D’Fontaine, Make with, Norvil & Josephine, and Pop’n’Olly.London Pride parade-goer applies rainbow face paint for the celebration(Image: Getty Images)Today10:46 BSTLine-up on the trans and non-binary stage in Soho squareSoho Square is set to see some incredible speeches and performances from across the trans and non-binary community.A dedicated trans-led stage has been curated by Mzz Kimberley.Performers include Brandy x Temptation, Curvy Black Witch, Custodians, Dr Helen Webberley, Ebony Rose / Para Pride, Frigid Presents Mother, ISH99NI, Lexi & Aisha, M.E.N Live, Marty Davies, Nathan Ethan, Panty Soaker Sound System, Tabs from Butch, Please!, Taman, DJ Tasty Tim, Telisa TK, The New Cross Dresser, Trans Legal Clinic, Women of Colour in the Global Women Strike.Today10:23 BSTDrag Idol UK Winner to be announced on the cabaret stageThe cabaret stage, on Dean Street, will see a series of high energy performances - with the Drag Idol UK Winner set to be announced here.Other performances to watch out for include: Ash Akan, Billie Gold, Boibox, Danny Beard, Deeva D, Flick, House of Pantha, Jordan Gray, Kate O’Donnell, Lucky Roy Singh Presents the Queer Asian Takeover, Monroe, Queer Crip Power Half-Hour, Ryan Graham Hinds, Sandra, Tia Kofi, and The Groove Chorus ft. Louis Cypher.Today10:00 BSTWhat's on at Golden Square for London Pride?The global majority stage, celebrating London’s global diversity and intersectionality, is situated in Golden Square today.Here you'll catch Angeli, Che3kz, Delwboy, DJ T.Rock, Donnie Sunshine, Jay Jay Revlon Presents: Kiki, Karteer, Kenan Kián, Lost Girl, Me-Ow, Rhys’ Pieces, Rileasa, and Tiara Skye.Content cannot be displayed without consentToday09:49 BSTLine-up of performers for women and non-binary stage at Leicester SquareIn Leicester Square today is the LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary stage with a lively line-up of performers, musicians and DJs scheduled.This includes Anita B Queen, Butch, Please!, Che3kz, DJ Kaspa, Jordan Gray, Krystal Lake, Lexa, Lick, Love Itoya, Macie Nyah, Maris, Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders, Raga D’Silva, Smashlyn Monroe, The Darklings, Tony & Toni, West London and Queer Choir.Today09:44 BSTWatch - London Pride 2026 campaign filmIn a call for the community to stand together and promote unity, this year’s theme is Many Voices. One Front.It highlights four critical issues affecting the community. This includes healthcare rights for transgender people, Black and Brown queer visibility, chosen family rights and a call to end hate crime.Watch the campaign film below:Content cannot be displayed without consentToday09:39 BSTWhat to know ahead of London PrideTop tips for the day include downloading the event map and planning travel in advance.With BST Hyde Park, Wimbledon and major concerts also taking place across the capital today, organisers are warning London Pride will be extremely busy and to check Tfl Go or Journey Planner before travelling.Content cannot be displayed without consentThe parade starts at 12pm fom Hyde Park Corner and will end around 6pm at Whitehall.Six stages are stationed across the capital in Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Golden Square, Soho Square, Dean Street and Victoria Embankment Gardens.Today09:35 BSTBring sunscreen, water and ID, London Pride organisers urgeWith temperatures set to soar as high as 28C today in the capital, London Pride has created a checklist for attendees to keep safe."It's going to be HOT tomorrow, so please look after yourselves and each other," organisers said in a post on Instagram."Before you head out, make sure you bring:Plenty of water (and keep drinking it!)Suncream (reapply throughout the day)A hat or sunglasses if you have themSnacks to keep your energy upA portable chargerAny medication you might needID and a payment card/cash"If you're drinking alcohol, try to alternate with water - the heat can catch up with you quickly."Check in on your friends, take breaks in the shade when you can and don't be afraid to ask for help if you or someone else starts feeling unwell."Have an amazing, safe Pride in London, and remember the best Pride is one where everyone gets home safely."Content cannot be displayed without consentToday09:29 BSTHow to get to London Pride with extensive road closuresRoad closures will be in place across Westminster and the surrounding areas, including the West End, for most of today as the London Pride parade takes place.Those looking to attend the event at the start of the parade are being advised to use Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch Underground stations.As a top tip, anyone looking for a front-row spot is encouraged to arrive between 25 minutes and an hour before the parade starts.For the middle of the parade, use Green Park and Piccadilly Circus Tube stations.To catch performers on the main stage includung MNEK at Trafalgar Square towards the end of the parade, the nearest Tube stations are Charing Cross and Embankment.For Soho, where the trans and non-binary stage sits in Soho Square, as well as the global majority stage in Golden Square and the cabaret stage on Dean Street, attendees are directed to Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Circus, Leicester Square and Covent Garden Tube stations.Today09:21 BST'No tolerance of hate crime', Met Police warn ahead of London PrideThe force has warned there will be "no tolerance of hate crime" in London this weekend with thousands taking to the streets for the annual Pride parade.The Met said there will be a "heavy police presence" across the capital to ensure the safety of the anticipated 1.5 million people attending the LGBTQ event.Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell said: "Our priority is to provide a visible, proportionate and effective policing presence that is ready to respond swiftly to any incidents."Pride is hugely significant for LGBT+ communities and those attending should be able to do so free from discrimination, abuse or fear."There will be no tolerance of hate crime – we urge anyone who is a victim of it to speak to an officer immediately so we can take action."Today09:16 BSTLondon Pride - six stages of fun and activismA stunning line-up of performers, singers and speakers will be on six stages at various points on the London Pride parade route today.Grammy-nominated singer and producer, MNEK, is headlining the main stage in Trafalgar Square, alongside artists, Beth Ditto and Meek.Over in Leicester Square, is the LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary stage, with a similar lively line-up of performers, musicians and DJs.MNEK is headlining Trafalgar Square for London Pride today(Image: Viktoria Lliev/Shutterstock)The Global Majority stage, highlighting London’s global diversity and intersectionality, is in Golden Square. On Dean Street, the cabaret stage will see a series of high energy performances - with the Drag Idol UK Winner set to be announced here.Soho Square has been transformed into a dedicated, trans-led space with a trans and non-binary community stage, with speeches and performances.Finally, there is a safe and welcoming space for family and young people over at Victoria Embankment Gardens.Today09:10 BSTLondon Pride parade route map revealedThe parade route will see thousands pass some of London's most iconic landmarks.Starting at Hyde Park Corner, the march will continue along Piccadilly towards Piccaddily Circus.From there, it will head south, down Haymarket and through Trafalgar Square before the grand finale at Whitehall.London Pride parade route 2026(Image: PRIDE)Today09:10 BSTWhen will London Pride parade start?The parade is due to start at around midday from Hyde Park.It will finish at around 6pm in Whitehall after following a route through the capital.‌