Belfast gets set for annual Pride parade

Belfast will be awash with colour as the parade takes place through city centre. Credit: Pacemaker

Thousands are expected to take part in Belfast's annual Pride parade on Saturday afternoon.

The main march through city centre sets off from Custom House Square at 1pm, with the build-up starting at 11.30am.

It’s the culmination of the 10-day Pride Festival, which is now in its 27th year.

For the first time ever, uniformed PSNI officers will be among those taking part in the parade, while their counterparts in the Gardaí are also invited to get involved.

Three PSNI vehicles will also be on the streets bearing a Pride message reading: "Policing with Pride - Hate Crime is Unacceptable - To Stop It, Report It”.

The liveried vehicles will also be used at Pride events in Newry and Derry.

A police spokesperson said road users are advised to plan for potential delays in city centre between 12 noon and 3pm, as there could be “some periodic traffic disruption”.

They added: “Arterial routes will remain open and alternative routes will be made available.”