The 17th annual Pride March today is set to celebrate all the colours Victoria’s queer community.

The iconic inner city event annually attracts thousands of spectators and hundreds of marchers to St Kilda to participate in the biggest outdoor pride parade in the state. This year features one of the largest parades in the event’s history with over 115 queer community groups, businesses and organizations as well as community supporters marching down St Kilda’s Fitzroy Street.

Pride March will continue its beloved tradition of being led by the popular Dykes on Bikes and Melbourne Motorcycle Tourers, the mayor of the City of Hobsons Bay and marching royalty of the King and Queen of Pride.

Check out this video featuring images from Pride March Victoria 2011:

Making news and history will be Cr Tony Briffa, the recently elected intersex mayor of the City of Hobsons Bay, who will lead representatives from Melbourne’s Western Suburbs and fulfill his controversial pre-election promise to march in mayoral robes.

And newly appointed Victorian Chief Police Commissioner Ken Lay will also be continuing the much respected but controversial tradition initiated by former Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon, of leading a contingent of Victorian police representatives marching in full uniform – a symbol of the police force supporting all of Melbourne’s community.

Cr Tony Briffa and Police Commissioner Ken Lay will both be speaking at the official opening of Pride March at Catani gardens after the march.

Amongst the 115 groups set to march will be Pride favourites Victoria Police, Police Marching band, Midsumma, Melbourne Queer Film Festival, PFLAG, Victorian AIDS Council, VicBears, Vintage Men and of course Australia’s only full time licensed queer radio broadcaster JOY 94.9 will once again be present at the march. JOY 94.9 are as always doing a live outside broadcast at the event.

Melbourne’s queer supporting schools, universities and student unions are particularly well represented this year with a strong contingent amongst the 115 groups marching, as are Victoria’s queer sporting organizations and political party supporters.

“Pride March Victoria recognises and celebrates the people and events that inspire the courage, solidarity, pride, diversity and strong sense of community of Victoria’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, intersex and transgender people. We organise cultural activities that bring our community together in a safe and positive environment,” explained Pride March Victoria President, Brett Hayhoe in an official statement.

“The annual Pride March is our signature event and celebrates a bright future while preserving our history. It is a key date on Victoria’s cultural calendar and a destination for interstate and international visitors.”

The official Pride March bars will be open at Catani Gardens from 2:30pm with eftpos facilities available for the first time. Following on from last year, drinking will only be allowed within designated fenced areas till 8pm and will require proof of ID.

The march down Fitzroy Street will culminate in a huge community party on the foreshore that will include entertainment and DJs from 3:30pm keeping the party vibe up and happening till 10pm, when the after parties begin at various venues around Melbourne. The infamous karaoke stage will be in operation from 4pm for those who want to belt out a queer classic.

While the forecast for the day is a hot 31 degrees, a cool change and late afternoon storm is expected, and it may be wise to be prepared with umbrellas or ponchos.

*The 17th Annual Pride March takes place today (Sunday 5 February) in St Kilda. The parade down Fitzroy Street starts at 2pm sharp, leading to a community celebration in Cantini Gardens which continues until 10pm.

The official Pride March after party will be at Heaven’s Door in Commercial Road. Or for those who are after something closer, head to Robarta Bar in Fitzroy Street for a huge party headlined by DJ Mike Evans and Sydney’s Kitty Glitter.

Check out Same Same’s photos from the 17th Annual Pride March here!