Showers made way for a rainbow in the town centre on Saturday.

The rain failed to dampen spirits as hundreds from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community hoisted the rainbow flag high in the town’s first Pride festival.

And while there were tears in St George’s Square for the Orlando shooting victims, spirits were quickly elevated as the party kicked off at Tokyo nightclub.

The moving vigil saw 49 flowers being laid - one for each of the victims of last month’s attack on gay nightclub Pulse.

Mayor of Kirklees Cllr Jim Dodds was one of those who attended.

He said: “I think it’s important that we do remember the atrocities.

“There are some evil people in the world and events like this show we stand against them.

“We’ve got to stand together for a better world.”

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Cyndi Lauper’s hit True Colours was sang as a giant rainbow flag was unveiled in the Square, before the congregations marched through town in a show of solidarity.

The event was joint organised by Kirklees Council and various LGBT groups across town, such as Pride Community, Huddersfield Gay Group (HUGG) and Sistersshout.

Organiser Chris Barwick, from Pride Community, said: “People say we don’t need these events and the LGBT community should just get on with their lives.

“But what happened in Orlando showed we do still need to get together and show we are proud to be who we are.”

As the party moved to Tokyo, spirits came out in full force.

Vigil in St George's Square for victims of the shooting in Orlando
Vigil in St George's Square for victims of the shooting in Orlando

The nightclub hosted stalls selling rainbow flag merchandise while community groups gave support and advice.

Make up artist Natalie Gaskell, from Halifax, was offering makeovers with her business Chrysalis.

She said: “I’m really keen to get into make up for the trans community.

“When you’re transitioning some people are still to discover who they are and find their confidence, and the way you look is a big part of that.”

One couple celebrating at Tokyo were Mozhan Barraghi, 29, and Sana Hamid, 21, from Iran.

The University students said: ”We’re really proud that we’re here and say that we are who we are.”

Plans for the festival unfolded into the evening, with stars such as X Factor runner up Ray Quinn and Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus performing.

Vigil in St George's Square for victims of the Orlando shooting
Vigil in St George's Square for victims of the Orlando shooting

Byron Jones, 24, from Birkby, works as a mental health supporter with Support To Recovery.

He said: “Being LGBT I have experienced mental health issues myself.

“But I’m proud to be here. I came to Huddersfield to study but it’s great to socialise with people of all ages and not just students.”

On the tail of organising the event, Kirklees Council released a statement pressing for acceptance.

The statement said: “In Kirklees we are united. All political parties promote the same collective view and act against hate and intolerance and in favour of a diverse, tolerant and inclusive Kirklees.”