Foyle Pride organisers have called on attendees to remain peaceful and celebratory after the Parades Commission allowed a counter-protest by a Christian group during the city’s annual parade.

The festival theme this year is ‘Existence is Resistance’.

“The most powerful response we can give is to ignore them, celebrate openly and show that we can have a good time and continue to be ourselves in spite of them,” organisers said.

“Our community will remain strong and proud in the face of those who would deny our right to exist and to thrive.”

The group, formerly United Christian Witness, has previously preached at Pride events in Belfast and Derry, as reported by the Belfast Telegraph.

Foyle Pride moved its family fun area to Guildhall Square to protect participants’ safety, while affirming that their focus is on celebration, not retaliation.