A loved-up couple took the opportunity to pop the question outside Belfast City Hall this afternoon as the annual Pride parade made its way through the city on Saturday.
Ramiro Lopes and partner Radek were pictured in an embrace after the proposal was accepted during the annual celebrations.
The 2024 parade was led by Alliance Party councillor Micky Murray, who became the city’s first openly gay mayor earlier this year.
Mr Murray – whose party leader Naomi Long also joined colleagues on the march – posted a video of himself raising the LGBT+ “progress” flag at the front of City Hall.
He said it was “incredibly important” for him to be there.
“It’s important that people see the first citizen of the city taking part in the biggest, brightest most-inclusive festival that happens in our city on an annual basis,” he told BBC NI.
“This year’s theme is love your mind and that’s incredibly important to the LGBTQIA+ community as we are negatively affected by discrimination and prejudice.
“I’ve been coming to Belfast pride for 18 years . It’s my very first Belfast Pride as lord mayor of Belfast and I’m so excited to be leading the parade today.”
The Alliance councillor was joined on the parade by U105 presenter and Belfast Telegraph columnist Frank Mitchell, while a post-parade party in the Square is being headlined by former UTV continuity announcer turned DJ Julian Simmons.
People with rainbow paint on their faces and waving LGBT+ flags gathered to catch a glimpse of the colourful march as it made its way through the streets after 1pm.
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A series of groups and floats, representing up to 250 charities and organisations, were joined by NIO minister Fleur Anderson and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner for the annual march.
NIO ministers Angela Rayner and Fleur Anderson meeting representatives of Cara Friend NI
After meeting with members of advocacy group Cara Friend NI, Ms Anderson said the day had been an “unforgettable experience”.
“It is inspiring to see the phenomenal work Cara Friend NI do behind the scenes daily to support and empower the LGBTQIA+ community in Northern Ireland,” she added.
The NI Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) also posted pictures of their representatives in the parade on Facebook, alongside the message: “We were thrilled to participate in Belfast Pride Parade today. ️ What a great day celebrating equality, diversion and inclusion!”
A small number of protestors also gathered outside City Hall, holding placards with religious messaging.
Watch: Belfast Pride Parade 2024
NI First Minister Michelle O’Neill posted on Facebook to wish everyone a “very happy Belfast Pride”.
“I hope you all have an amazing day. You have been trailblazers for so much positive change in our society over recent years, and I encourage you to keep making your voices heard,” she said.
“As your First Minister, I stand with you in our shared vision of an inclusive, equal, and brighter future for all.
“Keep being bold. Keep being proud. And most importantly, keep being you.”
The theme of the 2024 is “Love Your Mind”, with a range of mental health charities represented on the parade.
Co-chair of Belfast Pride Kirsty Mullholand said that almost everyone in the city will have experienced dealing with mental health issues, either personally or through a loved one.
U105 presenter and Belfast Telegraph columnist Frank Mitchell joins the parade. Pic: Jonathan McCambridge/PA Wire
“It is a sad fact that poor mental health is something that disproportionately affects members of the LGBTQIA+ community,” she said.
“Being LGBTQIA+ doesn’t automatically mean that a person will struggle with their mental health, but it does mean that they are at a higher risk of experiencing poor mental health.
“Being LGBTQIA+ doesn’t cause these problems, but being on the receiving end of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and other forms of discrimination can.
“The flip side of this is that being out and proud can have a tremendously positive mental impact.”