AS a sea of colour and tidal wave of whistles and chants rushed past Bill Bond, he reflected on a lifetime where he has seen significant progress toward equality.
The Long Eaton pensioner remembers when it was illegal to be gay and said Nottinghamshire Pride shows how things have changed - for the better.
Mr Bond turned out to support this year's Nottinghamshire Gay Pride with his wife and could have been forgiven for feeling a little emotional as he took on board the colourful theme with a dazzling silver wig and smiled as the procession marched through the Old Market Square.
For Mr Bond, the event is of huge significance. He said: "It's the first time we've been but it seemed the right thing to do. It's really impressive.
"It's a really good show of diversity and we've got to support this kind of thing. The fact that some of the rest of the world is going backwards on gay rights is a terrible thing and it means it's more important that we are not.
"It's just about accepting that people are different and can do what they want as long as they aren't hurting anyone else."
And being able to stand on the street and cheer as groups of people of different sexualities feel they can be open in public is a huge positive for Mr Bond.
"The progress we've seen is fantastic - when I was younger it was illegal to be gay," he said. "It is so nice to see such a number of people here and the fact that it is happening all over the country is pretty heartwarming. I hope this kind of thing can really empower people into feeling comfortable with their sexuality and being able to come out.
"Sexuality is not something we've struggled with in our lives but we're here to support people who have. There's still a long way to go but things do change for the better."
Nottinghamshire Pride saw the city completely taken over for the day with colour splashed around every corner of the Lace Market and a hum of excitement in the air.
Thousands marched through the city guided by a Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service engine chanting "two, four, six, eight, we want to live in a world without hate" as they went.
Passers by and onlookers smiled and were dragged into the parade, which lasted until 12pm when a host of live music and activities kicked off.
One of the thousands who flocked to join in the parade was Methodist minister Andrew Orton, who lives in Masfield and is currently working at a church in the city centre.
"I'm a member of the gay community and also a member of the Christian community and I'm here to celebrate that," he said. "We're all different as people. This is a really powerful thing and it affirms who we are.
The 47-year-old, who was wearing his dog collar and rainbow waistcoat, added: "The reason for dressing as I do is to show that it's ok to be a gay and a Christian. Hopefully me being her helps someone else be able to be who they are.
"It is difficult but the church is moving forwards."
The parade featured people of all shapes, sizes and ages and with a incredibly varied and colourful style of dress.
But among the people who had travelled from far and wide were representatives from local companies and organisations.
Stuart Unit works for the county's mental health trust Nottinghamshire Healthcare and is a diversity champion.
Mr Unit said he was incredibly impressed with the celebratory style of the event and appreciated the event after being discriminated for his sexuality in the past.
He added: "It really does have an impact - it can send a really positive message. People who were just popping out will have got involved.
"There are gay people in every work force and it's a hugely important message that it's ok to come out at work."
Check out a gallery of photos from the event at nottinghampost.com/pictures