89 pictures as Darlington Pride kicks off in spectacular style

Crowds packed into the Market Square on Saturday for a full day of free entertainment and live music as well as the annual Pride march.

Shops and businesses along the route joined in the fun with dancing and confetti cannons.

And on the main stage there were performances from Gina Tonic, Nikki, Anarchy & Scarlett, and Tess Tickle & The Dragettes, with the acts greeted by roaring applause.

Temperatures soared into the high twenties, adding to the vibrant atmosphere as the crowd gathered in the sun-drenched square.

The weekend celebration continues on Sunday at Hopetown, with performances by Honeylight, Josh Atkinson, Jade Mia Broadhead, and Stebee.

On Monday, pubs and bars across the town centre will host Pride events from 6pm, including camp karaoke at the Red Lion and themed parties at The Hummingbird featuring tributes to Zara Larsson and Sabrina Carpenter.

Lola McEvoy, Labour MP for Darlington, is supporting the events.

She said: “Darlington Pride is an important demonstration of joy and inclusivity at a time where intolerance is still too common.

“Today was exactly that, so much glitter and colour to say ‘we’re here, we belong and we’re proud of who we are.’

“For me, Pride is for everyone but especially for those who aren’t out, it’s an event that says our town welcomes you, will celebrate you and you can live your truth here.

“Well done to everyone involved but especially to those who stepped in to fill the funding gap left by sponsors who withdrew their support.”

“The unions and many of the town’s best businesses stepped up to show that we’re a town where everyone can be themselves. That’s something we should all be proud of.”