THE LGBTQ plus community from across the globe will be once again joining together in harmony this June to celebrate Pride Month.

Each year thousands are out in full force to honour Pride, with celebrations taking place across Southend and Basildon.

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Sea of colour - Basildon Pride two years ago

LGBT Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots, in a bid to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for members of the community.

Celebrations typically include pride parades, picnics and parties – and south Essex certainly hasn’t missed out on the fun over the years.

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Royalty - Disney Princesses even stopped by to greet guests

Pre-Covid, 2019 saw hundreds of people line the streets of Southend for the annual pride parade.

Read more:

Can you spot yourself in our gallery for Southend Pride parade?

Basildon sign turns into a rainbow and official flag is raised for Pride weekend

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Southend Pride 2019

Organised by Southend Pride with support from Southend Business Improvement District, the march down the High Street, and celebrations in Warrior Square saw many people in fancy dress and pride flags celebrate the LGBT community.

And even when the pandemic hit, the town hosted its own virtual Pride for 2020 with supporters showing out in full colour from the comfort of their living rooms.

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Pride in Southend, 2019

Basildon also followed suit, with its event last year taking place online due to social distancing restrictions.

Former Basildon mayor David Burton-Sampson also joined members of the Basildon Pride team to raise the rainbow flag in Town Square.

All Southend photos by Gaz de Vere.