Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of London yesterday to celebrate Pride, despite torrential downpours throughout the afternoon. Uniformed LGBT members of the Royal Navy, police, fire service and paramedics were among the marchers who then gathered with spectators in Trafalgar Square to watch top pop acts. Despite the foul conditions, the route, which took in Oxford St and Whitehall, was lined with tourists and well-wishers, many of whom cheered and applauded the parade participants. Older LGBT people marched alongside youth groups and Christians. A group of around five ‘National Front' protesters turned up to picket Pride, holding up signs demanding the return of Section 28 (banning mention of homosexuality in schools) and a ban on civil partnership ceremonies. They were kept well back from the parade, penned in beside a group of under 30 Christian protesters. Gay marchers blew kisses to both groups as they passed them. London's mayor, Ken Livingstone, joined gay Doctor Who actor John Barrowman and comedian Amy Lamé on the parade's lead float. Livingstone later appeared onstage at Trafalgar Square with his two young children, and spoke about the terrorist bombs that were left in London yesterday, but failed to go off. He reminded the assembled crowd of the events of the 7th July 2005, and said that tolerance and respect for each other is what makes London the diverse melting pot it is today. The mayor also drew attention to the plight of LGBT people around the world, in particular Moscow, and reminded the crowd how lucky we are to live in this country. Events in Trafalgar Square were brought to a close with a special showing of the last episode of the current series of ‘Doctor Who' on a huge TV screen, a firm favourite with the gay community. Gay Pride was also celebrated yesterday in Madrid with a giant parade featuring more than 40 floats, and a march in Paris calling for equal marriage rights. A gallery of photos from 2007's rainy London Pride is available on the link below. Ref: UK GayNews (m)