Ian McKellen Leads Manchester Pride

Sir Ian McKellen, the Academy Award-nominated star of The Lord of the Rings, served as grand marshal for the Manchester, England, pride parade, which celebrated its 20th anniversary Saturday.

According to the BBC, thousands of people watched more than 100 groups and floats participate in the parade despite heavy rains.

“Starting on Deansgate, the parade travelled up the city's main shopping street before snaking through St Anne's Square, past Albert Square and finishing at the Gay Village,” reported the BBC.

McKellen led the procession, which is part of the larger pride festival that raises money for Manchester-area LGBT organizations. He rode in a car introducing him as "Serena McKellan."