BBCThousands of people are expected in Londonderry on Saturday for the 2025 Foyle Pride parade.
The Foyle Pride festival began on 15 August.
Now in its 32nd year, Foyle Pride is described by organisers as a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, with a wide range of events on offer, including theatre performances, workshops, discussions and exhibitions.
Like Belfast Pride, which took place in July, Stormont’s four executive parties, Sinn Féin, the DUP, Alliance and the UUP, were told by organisers they were not welcome at the parade over their support for a ban on puberty blockers for under-18s.
Foyle Pride chairperson Jason Dunne said this year’s theme, existence is resistance, is “more vital than ever, given the current climate for our community, especially our trans siblings”.
“That’s just like a statement to say, ‘Look, we’re here. We’ve always existed. We will continue to exist’,” he told BBC Radio Foyle’s Mark Patterson Show.
The parade begins at 14:00 BST from the North West Transport Hub and will be followed by live music and events in Guildhall Square.
Foyle Pride Festival 2025 has already featured a packed schedule of events, which organisers say aims to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and community.
One of these events was a social picnic in honour of gay rights campaigner Mark Ashton.
Mr Ashton grew up in the County Antrim town of Portrush before moving to London in 1978.
He was a leading figure in the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) group during the 1984 miners’ strike.
Mr Ashton helped form the group which raised money to provide food and support for striking miners and their families. He died in 1987, aged 26.
A highlight of this year’s programme was a Football v Homophobia event at the Ryan McBride Brandywell stadium.
Eighteen teams from across the north west competed in the event which tournament organiser Meabh O’Neill said was a “special and unique” event which provided “a safe space for LGBT people to try sport and enjoy sport”.
The festival has also hosted a number of panel discussions and talks highlighting this year’s theme, exploring issues of identity, activism and solidarity.
Organisers said workshops in areas ranging from embroidery to phone photography have encouraged participation and skill-sharing, while performances such as Pride Monologues showcased local talent and personal stories.
Music, comedy and nightlife events have also drawn crowds across various venues in the city.
In a social media post on Friday, Foyle Pride said they were “angry and disappointed” that a planned counter protest is scheduled near the parade route on Saturday.
As a result, they said that they have decided to move their family fun day event to Guildhall Square.
