A record number of people turned out to celebrate Ely Pride at the weekend. 

More than 6,000 visitors attended the fifth annual event on August 3, which organisers said was the largest crowd to date. 

Sarah Marsh, a trustee of Ely Pride said: "It was such a delight to see so many people, young or old, from every walk of life, all together having a great time.

"The atmosphere was fantastic with so many people attending, and also just passing buy and coming in to spend some time and enjoy.

"We hope that with these events, not only will be celebrate the LGTBQ+ community, and protest inequalities in society, but also bring together society so that variations are recognised as all a part of the tapestry of nature.

The event saw a number of special guests, including MP for Ely and East Cambridgeshire Charlotte Cane and the Mayor of Ely Chris Philips offer their support.

The two guests recognised and reaffirmed their support for the LGBTQ+ community during speeches on the main stage at Jubilee Gardens, and called for a kinder, more inclusive society for everyone. 

There were 58 stalls selling food and crafts and throughout the day and evening, and 22 performers including cabaret sensation Alexa Vox and West End leading lady Leanne Jones all took to the stage.  

In an interview with the Ely Standard last week, Sarah said the event "had an important job" after increasing attacks against the LGBTQ+ community. 

She said the event is vital in supporting LGBTQ+ people and "educating the rest of society" to accept diversity. 

She added: "Pride in Ely has a really important job in supporting LGTBQ+ people in our community and educating the rest of society to accept variations as part of the tapestry of nature."

Pride in Ely, formerly known as Ely Pride, was born when five people gathered together in 2016 and decided they needed to take action to support LGTBQ people in the area.

Ely Pride consists of five trustees: chair Simon Pittock, Andrew White, Virginie Ganivet, Sherrie Halls, Sarah Marsh and secretary Sandy Fosh.