PHOTOS: Ian McKellen leads thousands in Manchester Pride parade

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Thousands came out into the streets to celebrate the annual Manchester Pride parade this afternoon.

The revellers followed grand marshall Sir Ian McKellen as the parade snaked its way through Manchester City centre.

The parade represents the biggest free section of the Pride weekend in Manchester, and will be followed by performances in the city’s gay village.

Performances will take place by DJ Riv, La Voix, Bipolar Sunshine and Texas.

See below a selection of PinkNews’ favourite photos from the parade.

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Sir Ian McKellen leads the parade

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Out rugby union star Keegan Hirst on the Coronation Street float

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Stonewall supporters at the parade (Image: Stonewall Twitter)

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Thousands took to the streets of Manchester today (Image: Twitter – @travelsofadam)

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A rainbow police car making its way through the parade (Image: Twitter – Pkakooza)

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Sir Ian McKellen meets a group of scouts (Image: Twitter – @FLAGscouts)

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NHS members walk in Manchester Pride

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The George House Trust takes part in the parade