When you march, walk, amble, whatever …  in the parade it is a long evening.  The group I was with was called at 5pm and our float left the marshalling area at 10.03pm.  So here’s how it goes when 12,5000 diverse and joyous participants get glammed and ready.

You meet lots of interesting groups as you rest under the trees outside the entry waiting for your group to come together.  There’s a real joy and fellowship in diversity as people  pass by.

Once inside, time for all the finishing touches to floats and costumes and hair and makeup.

Commitment, beauty and attitude in your fellow marchers.

Service on the mind of many.

No shortage of rainbows.

Couples or besties pose happily for snaps.

Darkness arrives and the music pumps up and the lights come on.

Then you are off.  Just one of 197 groups that the supportive and enthusiastic crowds have waited  for hours to see.

It’s pretty tiring when it’s all over.