MAYOR TO LEAD LONDON PRIDE PARADE

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, has announced that he will once again lead London’s Pride parade, taking place on Saturday.

“The Mayor will help kick off proceedings when the parade sets off ahead of a sea of colourful floats and banners,” Johnson’s office confirmed in a statement.

“This weekend, the streets of London will be thronged with people from all walks of life taking part in one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. I am pleased to support our city’s Pride celebrations and proud of London’s reputation as a place where you can be yourself,” said Johnson.

He added: “Everybody has the right to live their life as they wish, free from persecution and abuse, and my office is working with the community, the police and other partners to ensure that irrespective of your sexuality all Londoners are able to participate fully in the life of the capital.”

Johnson, who also took part in the event in 2008, has committed £100,000 towards the celebrations.

This year, Pride revellers are being urged to “Paint the Town Ruby Red” to mark the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF), which was formed in New York City in 1969, following the Stonewall Riots.