Glasgow Pride 2021, in pictures: Carnival of colour as Mardi Gla returns

Mardi Gla parade heading over Glasgow's Clyde Arc

Thousands of people took part in the Glasgow pride march yesterday as it returned to the city after the pandemic forced the cancellation of last year’s event.

The city’s first Pride Mardi Gla since 2019 began at Festival Park, with the parade making its way to George Square.

Most Pride events around the UK in 2021 have been cancelled due to coronavirus, with just Glasgow and Birmingham hosting marches this year.

Sister Alaska Lott takes part in the Pride Mardi Gla march in Glasgow yesterday (Pic: Andrew Cawley)

The parade heads for the city centre (Pic: Andrew Cawley)

A welcome return

Organisers say Glasgow’s is the first full march since the onset of the virus.

Among the speakers was new Scottish minister Patrick Harvie, co-leader of the Scottish Green party, who joined the Scottish Government last week as part of the cooperation agreement between the SNP and his party.

Patrick Harvie on stage at the event (Pic: Andrew Cawley)

The gathering in George Square (Pic: Andrew Cawley)

Daniel Syme, chair of the organising committee, said: “Covid has been so tough for everyone, but particularly the LGBT+ communities as we have seen a large increase in hate crimes in Scotland and also the rise of brutality and removal of legal rights across Eastern Europe.

“Today is a major step back to normality with a full Pride march, and I am delighted that Glasgow and Birmingham have come together to ensure the return of official pride marches to the UK.”

Ziggy Battles with his daughter, Mitzi at the parade (Pic: Andrew Cawley)

Reverend Kelvin Holdsworth (Pic: Andrew Cawley)

Parade manager Stuart McPhail added: “The team has worked closely with Glasgow City Council and public agencies to ensure that the safety and welfare of participants is the most important consideration.”