The family affair of the island’s sixth annual celebration of Bermuda Pride set out through Hamilton this morning to music, whistles and cheers from a crowd of supporters.

Ed Christopher, the town crier, rang in the start of the procession as hundreds of participants poured out of Victoria Park, led by flags, banners and a music truck with Joshua Samuels, executive director of OutBermuda, on board.

Some roads were closed to traffic for almost an hour as the parade snaked its way from Dundonald Street, onto Church Street, and then the length of Front Street before returning to Victoria Park.

The festivities continued there for several more hours, with live music performances and other entertainments.

Tiara Webb, who sits on the board of LGBTQ+ charity OutBermuda, said: “I’m here because I’m invested in it.

“It’s all about representation and it’s a family affair. The common denominator of this event is love.

“I feel that this year’s been a good turnout for us. I’m having a good time.

“I was inspired to join OutBermuda’s board because of representation. I didn’t see anyone that looked like me sitting there and I know that, when I’m in that spot, people who look like me can relate.

“Because Bermuda is a very Christian state and Christian views don’t really align with what we’re trying to do.

“However, love is love, and Jesus would approve. Yes, we’re all different but we share the same blood and we’re all family.

“Bermuda is so small and because we’re so small we should accept all.”

Andre Young, 60, from Smith’s, described the day as “a wonderful, beautiful day”.

He said: “We’ve come a long way since the first parade when everyone was shy, shy, shy. It’s so lovely to see people coming out in support, even if people aren’t that way, they still come out in support.

“It’s become larger than Cup Match. It’s nice to see that Bermuda has moved forward and is now much better than a lot of other countries. Good support and lots of love.”

Rosamaria Machado was visiting the island from Orlando, Florida and timed her trip so that she could take part in the parade.

She said: “So many people turned out to embrace the fact that love is love and that it really doesn’t matter whom you love but how you love.

“I don’t care if you’re a man and a man or a woman and a woman, or trans or queer or whatever you are – just embracing each other for our diversity, recognising the quality of our existence – this is an expression of a family affair.

“Even the children are recognising that diversity is OK and that loving who you’re with is the key.

“Bermuda’s issue has always been its acceptance of the gay community so coming here to represent other people in the world who are free to be themselves is extremely important. Bermuda coming up to speed and recognising that we all deserve to be recognised for who we are, our individual authenticity, is really important.

“Comparatively speaking, I think the United States and London are just more open.”

However she said the attendance today “shows openness and acceptance, and we had so much support and people joining us – we had a great turnout”.

Former politician Renée Webb said the event demonstrated that the island had made progress in the advancement of LGBTQ rights and recognition.

She said: “I think it’s great to see Bermudians coming out and enjoying themselves with no hassle like there was in the past. At least now people can come out and freely be who they are. That really is great.“

Celebrations will continue with a party tonight at Pier Six, where doors open at 10pm.

Tomorrow a service at Wesley Methodist Church from 11am until noon, and a family beach day at Cooper’s Island in St George’s from 2pm to 6pm.