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Thousands march in Pride parades, London marks its 30th

cultureJul 20, 2026231,449

Thousands gathered downtown Sunday to watch London, Ontario's 30th Pride parade, which closed a 10-day festival celebrating the local LGBTQ community. Pride London president Robyn Hodgson said organizers expected larger crowds after poor air quality from wildfire smoke forced cancellation of all Friday evening events and heavy rain disrupted Saturday for three hours. The parade set off from the Western Fair District and marched to Victoria Park, featuring 86 entries and nearly 4,000 people on themed floats or marching behind banners. Cheers of "Happy Pride" rang along Queens Avenue as floats decorated in rainbows passed, including a travelling karaoke float with live singing and dancers. Attendees emphasized community and visibility; 18-year-old Rex Ross said the festival shows support “especially in times like this,” and longtime participant Kate Storen attended with her dog decked in rainbow attire. London held its first Pride parade in 1995 and missed two editions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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