Marchers in London Pride London's "World Pride" has ended up an early-finishing affair, missing vehicles and floats, after it was scaled down due to funding shortages. Organisers say around 25,000 people took part in the march, while crowds also filled Trafalgar Square for performances by acts including Boy George. The British government, which is promising marriage equality in England and Wales by 2015, showed its support by hoisting the rainbow flag symbolising gay pride over one of its ministries for the first time on Friday. Prime Minister David Cameron also sent a message of support, wishing those involved a "happy Pride". "It is 40 years since people first marched in London calling for equal rights," he said. "Since then we've come a very long way and progress is still being made." London Pride issued an apology on its website earlier this week, saying it "deeply regrets the situation", but said the changes were necessary in the interests of safety. The charity blamed increased costs and the tough economic climate for the funding shortfall. London Pride's chairman Patrick Williams resigned on Wednesday following criticism of the board's handling of this year's event.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 8th July 2012 - 7:57pm