Carnival atmosphere for Pride march

Gordon Brown's wife Sarah joineds the Pride march

A carnival atmosphere filled central London when more than half a million people took the the streets for the colour and flamboyance of the annual Pride festival.

Sarah Brown, the Prime Minister's wife, joined the march which brought the capital's busiest shopping streets to a standstill as onlookers stopped to watch the parade of drag queens, dancers and musicians.

Mrs Brown, dressed in a black shirt and trousers brightened up by some brightly coloured necklaces, had earlier welcomed some of the parade's organisers to Downing Street for a short meeting with her husband, Gordon.

She looked relaxed but subdued as she carried a pink, red and white version of the Union Flag.

Also among the first group were Pride patrons Rhona Cameron and Peter Tatchell.

Mr Tatchell carried a sign saying: "Gordon and Sarah can marry, gays can't. End the ban on gay marriage."

He said on Friday he planned to speak to Mrs Brown about ending the "sexual apartheid" which means same-sex couples can only become civil partners rather than a married couple.

Also in the parade were a group of drag queens in huge blonde wigs with Union Flag hats perched on top, who carried red white and blue umbrellas and handbags.

Perhaps the noisiest participants were the representatives from the London emergency services who marched as sirens sounded from a fire engine and an ambulance.

London Mayor Boris Johnson was unable to attend but sent a video message, saying the event "sends out a message to the whole world" that London is open, generous and welcoming.