Members of Winnipeg's LGBTTQ community hit the streets and marched through downtown for the annual Winnipeg Pride Festival.

Activities kicked off at 11:30 with a rally at the Manitoba Legislature. From there more than15,000 people from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit and queer community and friends and family took part in the pride parade, which finished at The Forks.

The theme this year is "unity" and organizers say it reflects the gains many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people have made. Still they say there is work to be done when it comes to how gay people are seen around the world.

"We have a lot of great rights and freedoms in Canada and we can look around the world and see there are areas, six or seven countries that if you are homosexual you will be put to death," says Barb Burkowski who is an organizer with the festival.

Burkowski says next year will be the 25th anniversary of pride and it will highlight all the accomplishments made by the gay community over the years.

All activities at The Forks are free and open to the public. There is a main stage with performances by talent from New York City, Vancouver and Winnipeg. There is also a children's play area, food vendors and a better business fair.

The party continues Sunday evening at Don Pedro's 6 Degrees Lounge on 114 Market Avenue. Organizers say it will be one of the biggest dance parties of the year with four djs. The event starts at 8:00 p.m. and tickets are $25 at the door.