Gay Pride London: Angels, brides and some very risque nuns: Colourful scenes at London's annual Gay Pride Parade Theme is Love (and Marriage) to celebrate equal marriage act Parade set off from Baker Street and proceeded down Oxford Street and Regent Street before swinging through Piccadilly to Trafalgar Square The streets of London are usually packed with business suits and serious-looking commuters. But today weird, wacky - and downright risque - costumes were the norm, as the vibrant Gay Pride parade made its annual tour through the capital's streets. Flamboyant costumes, ranging from risque nuns to leather all-in-ones, filled the streets, as supporters cheered on the parade, which celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lifestyles and culture. Here come the brides! Colourful performers celebrated gay marriage at the Pride London festival Loud and proud: Participants hold Philippines flags as they attend the annual Gay Pride parade in London Revellers got into the swing of things by dressing up in outlandish - and risque - costumes It takes all sorts: Police and parade-goers were in high spirits as they marched through the capital Aren't you hot in there? One person decided to pull on a very tight and risque outfit for the parade - while another decided shorts and a t-shirt were more appropriate for the weather Groups of men dressed as nuns mingled with supporters clad in feathery angels costumes, next to a woman who wore a dress with a huge train, alongside visitors in pink high heels and fluorescent socks. The Parade set off from Baker Street and proceeded down Oxford Street and Regent Street taking in some of the major sites of London as it swung through Piccadilly to Trafalgar Square. An eclectic mix of speakers, stalls were in attendance while in Soho street parties celebrated the event. This year the theme was Love (and Marriage). Organisers wanted to celebrate the achievement of equal marriage in the UK, and other countries, while recognising the love and support within the LGBT community and their friends and families. The parade also gave supporters and campaigners to show their anger at those who deprived them of their rights - including a poster calling Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has passed anti-gay laws to 'protect others', branding him a 'tsar of homophobia'. Organisers wanted to celebrate the achievement of equal marriage in the UK and other countries Organisers expect the parade and festival to be the biggest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender event in London over the last decade The parade will travel through the heart of London, along Oxford Street and Regent Street before ending up on Whitehall The theme celebrated civil partnerships, parents' love for their children and love of friends and family Equal marriage reforms will allow gay schoolchildren to 'stand a little bit taller', David Cameron said as he heralded the 2013 Pride in London parade. The Prime Minister told how he hopes youngsters would be able to see that Parliament 'believes their love is the same as anyone else's love' as thousands of people prepare to descend on the capital today for the annual gathering. Organisers expect the parade and festival to be the biggest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender event in London over the last decade. Among the sponsors is Mayor of London Boris Johnson, who caused a stir after making a controversial joke at a gala dinner for Pride in London about gay men taking their husbands 'up the Arcelor' - a reference to the ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture in the Olympic Park. Matching! These parade attendees really got into the theme with their white wedding dresses Getting into the spirit: An eclectic mix of speakers, stalls were in attendance while in Soho street parties celebrated the event The Prime Minister told how he hopes youngsters would be able to see that Parliament 'believes their love is the same as anyone else's love' Organisers said around 150 groups are involved in this year's parade and urged visitors to join in the celebrations Politicians said they wanted the parade to encourage youngsters not to be ashamed, or frightened, of their sexuality. Writing in the official Pride guide, Mr Cameron said: 'There will be girls and boys in school today who are worried about being bullied and concerned about what society thinks of them because they are gay or lesbian. 'By making this change they will be able to see that Parliament believes their love is the same as anyone else's love and that we believe in equality. I think this will enable them to stand that bit taller, be that bit more confident and I am proud of that. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg wrote: 'Many straight people have argued for the reform [of equal marriage] with as much passion as gay people. Standing out: This man made sure he stood out from the crowd with this glitzy-looking necklace Peter Tatchell protesting against Russia's homophobic laws at the Gay Pride Parade Labour leader Ed Miliband said there is 'still more to be done' to change attitudes towards the LGBT community Have I missed a bit? Two men have their make-up done as they attend the annual Gay Pride parade Among the elaborate costumes were people dressed as angels, brides and bare-chested soldiers Rainbow bright: Thousands of people descended on the capital today for the annual gathering, with revellers dressing in bright costumes to mark the occasion Because this isn't just about technical changes or legal definitions. It isn't just a "gay issue." It's about the kind of society we wish to be.' Labour leader Ed Miliband said there is 'still more to be done' to change attitudes. He added: 'Too many young people still fear to come out at school due to bullying. In too many places in the world, it is still a crime to be gay. Organisers said around 150 groups are involved in this year's parade and urged visitors to join in the celebrations. Michael Salter, chairman of Pride in London, said: 'London is an amazingly diverse city attracting the most talented people from across the world, which is vital to the economic welfare of our city. Pride in London is a great opportunity to promote a charity or community group and campaign. 'This year the theme is Love (and Marriage) to celebrate civil partnerships, parents' love for their children, love of friends and family but it also recognises the Equal Marriage bill going through Parliament.'