Pride in London 2016: Record turnout amid heightened security as Orlando shooting victims honoured

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Jamie Bullen27 June 2016

Record numbers have turned out to celebrate Pride in London amid heightened security after the Orlando mass shooting.

Up to one million people were expected to attend this weekend’s Pride in London celebrations held in the wake of the worst US terror attack since 9/11.

Nearly 300 charities, businesses and organisations will parade through the West End which will be transformed into a sea of bright colours in honour of the LGBT community.

Among them is Mayor Sadiq Khan who said it was 'more important than ever' to embrace LGBT community in the run-up to the festival.

Absolutely Fabulous pair Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley have also been pictured celebrating at the parade.

Absolutely Fabulous: Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley celebrate at this year's Pride festival
PA

Security has been stepped up for the event as police seek to reassure visitors following the atrocity at a gay club in Orlando earlier this month.

Police join in the fun at Pride in London
Paul Brown/Rex

Marchers will pause for a minute’s silence in Trafalgar Square in remembrance of the 49 victims killed in a homophobic attack by Islamic State supporter Omar Mateen.

Mateen opened fire at Pulse nightclub on Sunday, June 12 before he was shot dead by police.

Honour: Participants will honour the victims of the Orlando massacre after 49 people were shot dead at a gay club
Paul Brown/Rex

Pride in London chairman said the appalling tragedy has led to a surge of support for this weekend’s event.

He said: “It will be a celebration and commemoration. So many people have got in touch to say that they want to show their support after Orlando.”

The Metropolitan Police will unveil its new support association for its Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender officers and staff called LGBT Network at Pride.

Pc Anton Brown, chair of the network, said: “The Met had been lacking in a LGBT staff association for a number of years.

“This will represent LGBT matters in the Met, promoting recruitment and delivering training to LGBT liaison officers. It will also provide access to local and national events, promote reporting and provide support to members who have suffered LGBT crimes or bullying.”

A survey found that one in six members of the LGBT community fear being the victim of hate crime, according to a poll of 2,000 people conducted by specialist LGBT insurer Emerald Life.

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