WHEREVER there is sunshine and showers, you’ll always get a rainbow.
Today Southampton has been drenched in colour as hundreds have turned out to enjoy the city’s first Pride event in 20 years.
West Marland’s Road is a riot of colour as lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual people from across Southampton come together to celebrate their communities.
Throughout today there will be performances of music including from X Factor contestant Marcus Collins.
People are also enjoying family activities and stalls around Guildhall square including an inflatable disco, craft-making and music.
Many of the people attending are draped in the rainbow flag.
Not only are there members of the LGBT communities families have also come to support the event, and many of the crowd are younger people.
Mayor of Southampton Cathie McEwing said: "It is absolutely brilliant it is something we need to show as a city our intolerance towards hate crimes."
Southampton Labour cabinet member for Transformation Projects Chris Hammond said the event is important for the city.
The Woolston councillor said: "I think it is important for everyone to celebrate the beautiful diversity we have got in this city.
“We can see the wide range of people that are here and it is really encouraging to see young people here which shows the community coming together.
"With Orlando attack and rising hate crime it is important to be visible and have Pride of our place in the city."
Cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure Satvir Kaur (above centre) said to crowds of people as she kicked off the event how important it is to rid the city of racism and bigotry.
She told the Daily Echo: "What Southampton Pride is about is the city celebrating is diversity in its communities which includes the LGBT community.
"While I have every confidence and I am really excited that today is going to be really colourful and a lot of fun there is also a seriousness to it as well, and that is raising awareness and standing in solidarity with the LGBT community especially this year after the Orlando attack.
"Hate crime is something we are really trying to tackle and over 50 per cent of that is against gay and lesbian people so we need to keep fighting the fight for equality."
John Regan-Miles, 50, from Portswood in Southampton was suitably dressed for the event (above).
He said:"It is very important there is an event like this, there's not enough bars for the LGBT people in Southampton. It is great to see so many people of all generations here today."
Paul Hinchliffe,44, from Portsmouth (above) said:"I did my first Pride in Brighton a few weeks ago and the atmosphere was so relaxed and friendly, the whole message is important, not just for the gay community but for the message of tolerance."
Ian Woodland, 55, who is a member of UNITE (above), said:"The atmosphere is absolutely brilliant, the event is long overdue, the weather could be better but you can't get everything right."
Lindsey (above right) and Doll (above left) said they're having a great time at Pride in Southampton.
Lindsey said:"I think it is really important to have this, it is the public face of the LGBT community in Southampton."
The event is attracting scores of people to enjoy the entertainment, which has included some of Southampton's own stars.
It was a special performance for musician and The Voice quarter finalist Harry Fisher.
The music star who is from Lordshill got the crowd of hundreds grooving with a stunning set of performances.
He sung James Bay's 'Let it Be' which was the same song that he sung during his Voice audition, and one of his own songs.
He also got the crowd emotional with a soulful version of Lana Del Rey's Born to Die, he also sung David Bowie's Life on Mars where even a glitch wouldn't stop the show, as he continued even when the music died mid set.
He finished by singing Amy Winehouse classic Back to Black.
After the performance which had fans singing along from start to finish, he told the Daily Echo how pleased he was that Pride is in the city.
Harry said:"It is amazing I am so happy for Southampton doing Pride, it is something which surprised me but in such a good way."
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