London gay pride: Scaled back event takes place - BBC News

7 July 2012 Last updated at 08:12 ET

A pared down version of London's gay World Pride event is taking place.

Organisers said 5,000 people had signed up to participate in the procession in central London.

There will be a party in Trafalgar Square with 25 performances including a set from Boy George and R&B singer Deborah Cox.

Due to a funding shortage, the event will not include floats or a party in Soho. It is the 41st year there has been a gay pride march in London.

'Criminalised'

The procession started from Baker Street and follows the traditional route via Oxford Street and Regent Street to Whitehall.

Later there will be performances in Trafalgar Square.

Pride London spokesman Uwern Jong said the procession was for the global advancement of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights.

He said: "Forty-four members of the Commonwealth still criminalise homosexuality."

Last week, Pride London, said it had been hard to secure money because of the economic climate.

Board resignation

On Wednesday, Tony Hughes, a long-standing board member, was announced as the organisation's new chairman, following the resignation of Patrick Williams.

A statement from Pride London said: "Dr Williams resigned from his position following criticism of the board's handling of World Pride 2012.

"The rest of the board remains unchanged and committed to delivering an event London can be proud of."

The hashtag #BorisSavePride had been created on Twitter to campaign for the mayor of London's support.

The mayor's office has provided funding of £100,000 for the event.

A spokesman said Boris Johnson will not be attending the event this year because of other commitments.