One of the world’s biggest gay pride events will bring life to the centre of London this weekend as the two-week Pride Festival concludes with mass events in the capital.

Since June 10, Pride in London has been showcasing talent and celebrating diversity in the LGBT+ community through theatre, dance, talks, conferences, tours and art.

This weekend it culminates in a giant parade. Here’s what you need to know…

THE PARADE

This year the Pride Parade takes place on Saturday (June 25) from 1pm to 4.30pm.

Almost 300 groups – nearly half of them charities – will take part in the official parade, split into seven sections.

If you’re not already registered and don’t have a wristband, you won’t be able to take part in most of it. However, people can join at the final section and if you’d like to you should meet at Portland Place at 3pm (not before).

The parade departs Portland Place at 1pm and snakes around Regent Street and Oxford Circus on its way to Trafalgar Square and then Whitehall.

It’s bound to be colourful and exciting to watch and there are plenty of great vantage points along the route though spectators are advised to avoid Oxford Circus and Regent Street, which will be very busy.

TRAFFIC CLOSURES

Understandably, journey times will take longer on all forms of transport.

Roads around the parade will close throughout the day, with Golden Square closing at 6am to allow Trafalgar Square to be set up and other roads along the route closing at 9am, 10am, 11am and noon. They are all expected to be re-opened by 6.30pm

PRIDE IN SOHO

Soho plays a key role in Pride once again. A Women’s Stage will be in Dean Street and a Cabaret Stage in Wardour Street on Saturday, both with day-long free entertainment.

Thirty community groups and charities will set up a Community Village in Soho Square on Saturday.

PRIDE IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE

Trafalgar Square will be the main focal point of the day on Saturday, with the biggest stage and food, drink and stalls.

No tickets are required for entry, though there is a suggested donation of £3.

Acts including X Factor contestant and I’m a Celebrity runner-up Jake Quickenden (4.40pm), the Pink Singers and Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon (6.20pm).

PRIDE IN THE PARK

The day after the big celebration, Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens will host Pride in the Park from 1pm to 10pm on Sunday in association with UK Black Pride.

Traditional fete entertainment includes a cake baking competition, sports, a dog show, music, food and stalls.

It will also be host to a drag booth and the Pride of London Parade Awards.

Find out more at prideinlondon.org

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