"I'm absolutely knackered, but it's all been worth it and everyone's had a lovely day with lots of great acts," said Tony Skeate, the organiser of Essex Pride, which reverted to its original one-day format after being spread over the entire weekend last year.
"Last year was an experiment to see how it would go for two days but it cost twice as much and we have to fundraise to pay for the event so it just didn't work."
Former X Factor stars Amy Mottram and Lucy Spraggan took to the Pride stage to dazzle the crowds, as did The Voice finalist Christina Marie and a Katy Perry tribute act.
"I think this is the best Pride yet, this year has been much more focused on the acts," said Dan Mitchell, from Braintree.
Tony said: "It's important to regularise education for LGBT issues, it's great having families here, whether they are heterosexual or gay families. Anything that raises awareness of alternative lifestyles is a good thing."
Indeed, Ella Barnes, renowned nationwide for her work to quash LGBT bullying in schools, gave an inspirational talk, while a host of DJs, fairground rides, a dog show, food stalls and even an "STI tombola" run by sexual health charity the Terrence Higgins Trust kept people entertained.
"It's been a really lovely day, there's been a really nice vibe and everyone has been so pleasant," said Jez Dixon, 31, who came from Colchester.
"It's been great fun, I brought Pride cakes," said Sarah Impey, from Felsted.
Alejandro Fernandez from Brighton, who performed on the main stage, said: "Events like this are very important."
Tony added: "I would like Essex Pride to continue to grow and break down boundaries with the entire community and enable LGBT people to have a good life without fear or stigma because there are still some people who aren't accepting of it.
"We've got a law change with the weddings but still have to change hearts and minds, once we manage to do that what a wonderful society we'll live in."
