Sir Bob told
the marchers: "Between what you people are doing and
the people in the park are doing and the people around the
world, we are going to stop one vast oppression of a vast
minority - that's what we are going to do today."
He also joked that he would take "a chance to go
mincing about in London" before U2 opened the Live 8
gig at 1400 BST.
This year's Gay Pride parade and festival is likely to be
one of the biggest so far. More than 40 floats,
marching groups, dancing groups and bands will make their
way along Park Lane, through Westminster, past the Houses
of Parliament and along Victoria Embankment.
Actor Sir Ian McKellen, mayor Ken Livingstone and gay and
human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell are among speakers
at the rally. Tributes will also be paid to gay
barman David Morley, who was beaten to death on the South
Bank in October 2004.
Dozens of roads in central London are closed because of
the parade and police are urging motorists to avoid the
area.
London Pride
2005 photos
