THOUSANDS of people turned out to celebrate Brighton and Hove’s biggest ever Trans Pride event.

More than 2,500 people are thought to have attended the parade on Saturday.

The fifth annual event - and city's fourth Trans Pride March - saw record breaking crowds celebrate trans lives.

Crowds marched from the Marlborough Pub in Princes Street to Brunswick Square for speeches and further celebrations.

Explaining the importance of the event a spokesperson said: "We are immensely proud of everyone's work over the years promoting visibility in Brighton and elsewhere by working so hard to organise and participate in the Trans pride weekends.

"However we feel there is so much more to do. Societal transphobia, structural transphobia in government & other organisations make it difficult for trans and non-binary people to get jobs, access to healthcare and adequate housing.

"There is a lack of recognition of non-binary identities in law, the spousal veto and the overly difficult gender recognition process need addressing

"There continues to be underinvestment in trans healthcare and high rates of hate crimes against trans and non-binary people

"Transgender people around the world are dying because of prejudice and discrimination, particularly people of colour. Governments and police need to recognise trans victims, and intervene.

"In Prides around the world, in LGBT spaces, in the community, in work, school, media, government, etc., erasure of trans people and non-binary identities cannot be tolerated."

Hundreds of people voiced their support for the event on social media.

Kate Hutchinson said on Facebook : "Trans Pride Brighton it's been emotional and uplifting, just what I needed.

Maria Jones said: "A great day at Trans Pride Brighton....despite the wind rain and cold....fantastic Paella....two great Lesbian Bars.

Jamie Fletcher said on Twitter: "This is not a parade. This is a protest march. Countering the hate with a show of visibility."

Following the parade there was a party late into the night at the North Laine pub.

Other Trans Pride events over the weekend included a film night at omedia celebrating trans lives on film.