Hundreds of thousands celebrate gay marriage at New York Pride

Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in New York on Sunday for the city’s annual Pride festival.

The celebrations were held just two days after the state legalised gay marriage.

Governor Andrew Cuomo, who signed the bill late on Friday evening, led the parade. Cheering marchers waved signs saying ‘Promise kept’, in recognition of his pledge to bring marriage equality to the state.

“New York has sent a message to the nation,” Mr Cuomo said before the march began. “It is time for marriage equality.”

Some participants dressed up in wedding gowns for the festivities. Parade organisers said half a million people took part.

The decision makes New York the sixth US state to allow same-sex couples to wed. Marriages will begin in 28 days.