Thousands take to the streets for Dublin Gay Pride Festival

Thousands of people today transformed Dublin City Centre into a massive carnival for the end of the annual Gay Pride Festival.

A morning of heavy downpours cleared for the colourful parade through the streets of the capital.

Starting from the Garden of Remembrance, street performers and floats took the traditional journey down O’Connell Street and Dame Street to Christ Church.

Despite the grey skies participants were determined to have fun with many dressed in elaborate costumes including catwoman and cowboys.

“I enjoy it, it’s a great celebration,” said Micheal Acheson, 24, from Shankill in south Co Dublin.

“It’s great to see people dressed up and be able to express themselves and be able to learn to do what they want in order to enjoy themselves. It’s a good atmosphere. I admire all of them here.”

Passers-by and tourists stopped to take pictures of the spectacle as it passed through the city streets, escorted by the gardaí who stopped traffic en-route.

One man in Parnell Square dressed as an angel shrugged off complaints about the weather.

“They may rain down upon us but it won’t dampen our spirits,” he quipped.

The parade, which left at around 2.30pm, was followed by a a circus-themed party in the Tivoli.

Second in size only to the St Patrick’s Day parade, it is one of many taking place world-wide to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of New York 1969.

It was themed Dublin Pride 25, 'Always The Bridesmaid, Never The Bride'.

“The theme emphasises this year’s historic importance, highlighting the positive changes which have taken place for Ireland’s gay community in the past 25 years,” said a spokeswoman.

“It also raises awareness of progress, which has yet to be made for our country’s gay community, particularly our lack of partnership rights.”