As thousands began to line the streets of central Manchester, as the sun broke through... and went in... and broke through again, the Manchester Pride Parade 2009 set off to entertain, amuse and educate its way around the city.

But way, way before all that...

In the wee hours of Saturday morning while most of us were enjoying a lie in or a relaxed pride breakfast people were carrying bags of wigs, glitter and gaffer tape down towards the start of the parade. Sets were slotted together on makeshift floats, costumes stitched, faces painted and crotches stuffed in keeping with the Heroes theme of the 2009 event!