There were smiles all around as the community came out to support the first Basingstoke Pride. 

On Saturday, August 17, hundreds of people marched through the town centre in bright colours and glitter. 

They were led by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Crystal as they left Willows, headed up Chruch Street and along Wote Street before skirting round Festival Place towards Seal Road and onto the amphitheatre.

Once the crowd reached the amphitheatre they were treated to four hours of entertainment from Big Jay, a drag monarch from Reading; Kyle Flynn, a singer/ songwriter who has been performing on the pride circuit since 2011; Basingstoke Amateur Operatic Society; and Velour, which blur the lines between Synth Pop, New Wave and Dark Wave.

Take a look at the gallery above to see all the brilliant photos from the day. 

Bright colours everywhere for Basingstoke PrideBright colours everywhere for Basingstoke Pride (Image: Sarah Gaunt) READ MORE: 'It is amazing': Pride all around as community celebrates diversity and equality

Basingstoke Pride CIC organised the event with support from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, which had allocated funding from its Pride in Place Fund that helps local not-for-profit organisations deliver new and innovative projects to enhance the local community.

Councillor Paul Harvey, leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, took part in the parade.

He said: "There are so many more people than we expected, it is amazing. It is exactly what we are about here in Basingstoke. It is a positive, amazing time about coming together and showing pride.

"People have come from across Basingstoke and Deane to be here which is amazing. There will definitely be more Pride events to come.

"This has been hugely successful. The organisers have been amazing and they deserve all the credit for coming all together to do this."

Basingstoke's leaders joined in the funBasingstoke's leaders joined in the fun (Image: Sarah Gaunt) SEE MORE: First Basingstoke Pride parade march fills town centre with joy and colour

Basingstoke's MP Luke Murphy told the Gazette he hopes to see many more Prides in the town.

He said: "It is amazing to be here at the first Pride march here in Basingstoke.

"As the first openly LGBTQ+ MP for Basingstoke, I am really proud to be here and celebrate with the community here today."