Thousands gathered in Derry yesterday (Saturday Aug 27) for one of the biggest Foyle Pride parades ever, as Lasair Dhearg activists unveiled a number of new banners along the route.

As the parade made its way through Shipquay Gate, one banner overhead read “Free Derry Built For Equality” with the colours of the pride flag in the background. Another banner stated “Free Derry is for everyone” over a background of the trans flag as marchers arrived at the top of Shipquay Street.

Religious bigots gathered at various points along the route to protest against it and to spread their bile via placards and boards. These were blocked out by Lasair Dhearg members with their banner which said “Is gleoite an grá – Love is beautiful” and which was carried throughout the march.

The build-up started at 1.30pm from Waterside train station where the parade then set off at 2pm and made its way up Duke Street, making it’s way towards the cityside and across the Craigavon Bridge before eventually arriving at the Guildhall Square.

Is gleoite an grá – Love is beautiful!