Annual Gay pride parade takes place in Dublin today

Spectators will be treated to a noisy and colourful display from one of Ireland's most diverse communities today as the annual gay pride parade takes place in Dublin today.

Senator David Norris has agreed to grand marshal the event from Parnell Square to the Civic Offices.

"It’s a very important thing and its great fun - there's an atmosphere of carnival about it. But there are more serious issues - and I'd like to see a wider spread of gay people getting involved with it," he said.