Manchester Pride Parade 2008

As promised, here're photos from Manchester Pride Parade .. and lots more in the second part of the post.

Thousands of revellers from across the globe have descended on Manchester for the city's annual Gay Pride parade on the weekend.

It's a weekend of celebrations and partying in Manchester which began with a fantastic day on Friday to mark the 15th anniversary of the Mr Gay UK contest. The winner was Dino Gamecho from Cardiff. 

The parade, which winds its way through the city centre, began at 1400 BST.

Celebrities such as Boy George, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Heather Small, lead singer of Manchester group M People, are taking part in the 2008 festival. There are many more photos after the jump .. check them out!