The rainbow flag was raised over Hackney Town Hall for the first time ever yesterday to celebrate Pride.

Hackney Gazette: The flag above the town hall.The flag above the town hall. (Image: Archant)

The flag was hoisted by mayor Phil Glanville and speaker, Cllr Soraya Adejare. It will remain there for the annual London Pride march which takes place on Saturday in central London.

This year 150 people from Hackney will march in support of LGBTQI+ – the borough’s biggest contingent ever.

Cllr Adejare, said: “During the latter part of the 20th century LGBTQI+ communities moved from being invisible and subject to oppressive legislation to now thankfully having recognised and clearly defined status.

“It gives me immense pride to see the rainbow flag flying above the town hall.”

Hackney’s float will be a rainbow council bin lorry with staff carrying the message: “Don’t trash love.”

The Council has also launched Hackney Pride 365, a community led festival that will run all year round.