Belfast Pride revellers call to lift ban on same-sex marriage

Calls to end Northern Ireland's ban on same-sex marriage rang out on the streets of Belfast as thousands packed into the city for the annual Pride parade.

Among the chants resonating across the crowds were "What do we want? Equal marriage. When do we want it? Now."

In reference to Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster's oppositiion to removing the ban, some sang: "Arlene, Arlene hear us clear - we want equal marriage here."

Across the city, spirits were high and outfits were colourful as the sun bathed Pride marchers.

Northern Ireland is the only part of the British Isles which does not allow couples to get married if they are the same sex.

Attempts to alter marriage laws in the region have been defeated five times.