Thousands enjoy the pink picnic in South Crosland

He said: “Gay pride events are not really my kind of thing but I was really excited to come here because it’s a lot more laid-back.”

Simon said: “It’s a really nice setting here too and the location makes it a bit more intimate and friendly than other gay pride events like the one in Birmingham.”

Huddersfield Gay Group (HuGG) looked pretty in pink dressed in their fuchsia dresses and rose wigs.

The group’s founder, David Armitage, from Slaithwaite, said: “This sort of thing gives us a good chance to celebrate being gay and lesbian and we do it every year.

“This year we’re all dressed in pink – last year it was St Trinian’s costumes.

“It would be good if we could have the event in Greenhead Park like the carnivals and the mela but because of some prejudices and homophobia there is a chance that some of the wrong types might turn up.”