Organised by InterPride, World Pride promotes lesbian issues on an international level through parades, festivals and other cultural activities.

 

The two week festivities are expected to take place from June to July 8, with the main parade held on July 7, less than three weeks before the opening ceremony of the Olympics on July 27.

 

The bid to bring the event to the capital was led by London Pride with support from Visit London and the Mayor of London.

 

Boris Johnson said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that London has won the right to host World Pride in 2012.

 

"London has one of the largest and most diverse LGBT communities on the planet and it is a fantastic opportunity to inspire cities across the globe.

 

"In an Olympic year, the eyes of the world will already be on London and the city will give an enormous welcome to LGBT people, their friends and families, for what we want to be the most colourful and exciting World Pride festival yet.”

 

Sally Chatterjee, VisitLondon's deputy chief executive, said: “This is a tremendous win for the capital.

 

"London Pride is an annual highlight of the cultural festival calendar and hosting World Pride in 2012 is a proud triumph for our city.

 

"There really will be no other place on earth to be in 2012 than right here in London.”

 

Paul Birrell, the chairman of London Pride, said: “We are delighted that London was successful in its bid for World Pride.

 

"This is a great achievement for London and coming in 2012, it will be a glorious year for our city.

 

"Pride London has grown over the years to be one of the UK’s largest cultural events and this is tremendous achievement for the LGBT community.”