LGBTQ+ supporters filled the streets of Southampton with colour and pride today.

This year's Southampton Pride in the Guildhall Square saw a sea of colourful flags and a jam-packed schedule of music and entertainment.

Celebrations began at Queen's Park in Ocean Village with festival-goers marching across the city to represent and support LGBTQ+ people.

Pride festivities coincided with Southampton FC's home game against Manchester United.

Thousands of people flocked to the city to attend the major events.

READ MORE: Southampton Pride and Saints v Man United: Live updates as thousands visit city

Daily Echo:

Lee and Claire Naylor from Southampton said they wanted to attend Pride for their three LGBTQ+ children.

Claire said: "We're here with our dog Wilfred for our three gay kids. Funnily enough, none of them could make it here today but we will enjoy ourselves.

"We want to have a good time and show we are allies to our children. I hope other parents can be with and be proud of their own LGBTQ kids."

Daily Echo: Hazel Kennedy and Maeve RobertsHazel Kennedy and Maeve Roberts

Hazel Kennedy, 22, and Maeve Roberts, 21, from Portswood said they wanted to represent their "queer identity". 

Hazel said: "I'm representing what it is to be queer. We both like going to Pride and showing what it means to be queer." 

Maeve added: "We've both been going for multiple years now and to live in a city and be in the same space where you can represent who you are is really freeing.

"Being from Southampton and suddenly having queer representation when we know there are so many of us, it can be quite emotional but that's the point of Pride I think."

Daily Echo:

Deputy head for King Edwards VI School in Shirley, Will Collinson, brought members of the school's Equality and Diversity society to Pride.

He said: "It's all about support and sending a message that we are here.

"This is the first time we've come to Southampton Pride and we will be marching with everyone to show our pride."

Southampton Pride featured its first Youth Outreach project to connect schools with help and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Sam Langrish, a representative for the programme, said: "It's our first year and we are trying to raise awareness and figure out what schools want and need from us.

"We hope to connect schools across the city with LGBTQ+ resources and help find what we can do to really build a connection."

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