Photo gallery - Pride London

Martyn Hayes
Jun 1
2 min read

Smiling person with rainbow face paint and scarf at Pride London. T-shirt features rainbow sunglasses. Website: martyn-hayes.co.uk.

Close your eyes and envision the people of London. You might imagine them as bustling, white-collar workers hurrying through the city's grey skies and hectic scenes. Now open your eyes... the true nature of London, its diversity is here to smash those stereotypes!

Each year, the capital proudly hosts its annual LGBTQ pride parade, creating a vibrant scene filled with joyous faces and rainbow flags. Stretching from Marble Arch to Soho, the entire West End becomes a lively celebration of the rights and self-affirmation of London's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community.

The festival atmosphere is vibrant, featuring a parade that winds through Piccadilly and down to Westminster. Along the route, performers and four-legged furry friends proudly celebrate the essence of this community. Meanwhile, across the West End, multiple stages host musical performances, encouraging partygoers to enjoy the good times and throw some shapes.

Scroll down to view a photo gallery of Pride London

Pride London is undeniably one of the most exciting highlights in the city's calendar. Here is a gallery of photos I captured in June 2024 using my trusty 17-50mm Tamron and 10.2 Nikon fisheye lenses.

The goal was to record a moment in time of who Londoners are in the early 2020s. We are a liberal bunch who care about equality and want to have a good time. The intention was to document this joy, smiles, laughter and ultimately, pride.

Note: Some of these images are not safe for work (NSFW). I am choosing to stay politically neutral and any statements made in the photos may not reflect my personal views.

Person in colorful costume with blue wig and sequined hat joyfully poses in front of a building with "Hard Rock" signage, holding gold fabric.

Person with tattoos holds rainbow fan and drinks, smiling in front of colorful ads, including Coca-Cola. Overcast sky, urban setting.

Two men kiss in a lively street, one in a purple vest, the other in red, surrounded by colorful buildings and people. Energetic mood.

Person in vibrant makeup and sunflower headpiece in front of London Underground sign. Wears blue outfit, red rose, fish-eye effect. Festive mood.

Smiling person in a graphic tee holds a lamppost, arm raised joyfully. Overcast sky, colorful accents, text "PUBLIC" visible. Energetic mood.

Person in a black dress holds a colorful Pride flag, wearing rainbow accessories. Festival atmosphere on a city street with crowds in the background.

Smiling people embraces on a busy city street. The man has blond hair and wears a white T-shirt. Colorful storefronts line the background.

Person with vibrant shirt and face paint dances joyfully near flags, including a rainbow one, at an outdoor event with a lively atmosphere.

People in colorful outfits celebrate on a lively city street, with one person blowing a kiss. Buildings line the background, creating a festive mood.

People hugging on a vibrant city street with a crowd in the background. Bright clothing and joyful atmosphere. Some hold drinks.

People joyfully laughing at an outdoor event, one holding a colorful can. Background: trees and crowd. Bright clothing, festive atmosphere.

Woman in white angel costume holds a rainbow fan on a lively street. Background shows buildings and people. Festive mood.

Two people smiling, holding a rainbow flag at a pride event. They wear colorful outfits, with a historic building in the cloudy background.

Shaggy dog with "Love is Love" bandana at a parade, surrounded by people in colorful attire, urban background with clear sky.

Two joyful people in colorful outfits cheer at an outdoor event. Trees and a vibrant crowd in the background. Bright and lively atmosphere.

Two people in vibrant outfits; one with a sequined cap and phone, the other in a rainbow feather boa. Festive and lively urban setting.

People in colorful outfits and rainbow accessories celebrate outdoors, smiling and taking photos. Trees and a cloudy sky in the background.

Person holding a glittery star wand at a colorful outdoor event. Crowd in background, vibrant atmosphere. Blissful, sunny day.

Person draped in a colorful Pride flag, smiling with tongue out. Urban street with a wrapped building and scattered people in the background.

Three people celebrate outside a building with columns, one holding a sign. Bright outfits and sunflower decorations.

Man with red sunglasses and bunny ears, carrying a flag, stands on a lively city street with people and buildings in the background.

Person in colorful butterfly costume with vibrant rainbow wings in a busy outdoor urban setting. Crowds and historic buildings in the background.

People celebrating at a colorful street event, some with rainbow face paint and drinks. Red building in background, lively and festive mood.

People in colorful outfits and accessories smile and raise hands at a lively outdoor event. Bright blue sky and trees in the background.

Person in colorful outfit and dramatic makeup poses on a vibrant city street. Red brick buildings and people in background. Urban vibe.

Person in vibrant red sequin dress and red hair gives peace sign on lively city street. Crowds in background, colorful shops visible.

A couple hugging and smiling joyfully on a lively street, with vibrant colors and busy background. "DRINKS" sign is partially visible.

Smiling person with red hair and face paint in a mesh top at a vibrant outdoor gathering. Background: trees, diverse crowd, festive mood.

Person at pride event holds up a colorful fan. Lively crowd in rainbow attire in the background, creating a festive, joyful atmosphere.

Person in colourful attire smoking. Crowded urban street, clear sky, vibrant atmosphere. Background features buildings.

Person with blue hair and jeweled hat smiling, wearing a rainbow shirt holding golden wings. Festive outdoor setting.

So, what your thoughts?

This series is honestly one of the best and most fun I had creating. The happy and party like atmosphere was infectious and I'd gladly take part again, even as a bystander and not a photographer.

I am very proud of this photo gallery of Pride London and would appreciate your feedback via the comments below.