THOUSANDS of people from Oxford’s gay, bisexual and transgender community marched through the city at the weekend.

A colourful troupe, some in fancy dress and waving rainbow flags, walked from Cornmarket Street, through Carfax and Queen Street to Oxford Castle, and to Oxpens Field.

The march on Saturday ended a 10- day celebration of gay culture in the city. The theme of this year’s event, sponsored by public sector union, Unison, was Superheroes, Let’s Get Brave Together, with a focus on friends and family supporting people who have come out.

Friends Dan Q and Paul Mann, of Kennington, decided to mark the theme by dressing as characters from the Silver age of comic book heroes, the Flash and Kickass, far left.

Mr Q, 30, said: “We wanted to take part in the march because first of all it’s an excuse to dress up, and also to show that Oxford is home to gay, lesbian and bisexual people and they should be represented.”

Alan Richards, pictured as Jack Frost, travelled from Dudley for his third Oxford Pride.

He said: “I like the Oxford Pride because it is small, compact and friendly. I love the city and it is an excuse to come here too.”

The event costs about £16,000 to stage, and receives funding from Unison and police and council grants.

Celebrations at the field continued on into the evening with performances from 80s band Tight Fit, X Factor contestant Dan Fox, and poets, singers and comedians.

Cheryl Briggs, chairman of the Oxford Pride group, said: “This year the theme is very much about community and family. There has been between 4,000 and 5,000 people enjoying pride this year.”