Amsterdam Gay Pride Draws Record Crowd

Gays and lesbians sailed through Amsterdam's historic canals as the city celebrated its annual Gay Pride festival.

The party drew an estimated 500,000 people and took place in the shadow of a spate of gay-bashing attacks this year which has surprised a city renowned for its tolerance.

DJs pumped music from ships packed with dancing partygoers, vying for the most outrageous theme. Well-muscled men wore leather, cowboy hats, disco glitter, and little else.

Crowds lined the canals to watch the boats pass, basking in the first warm weekend since summer started.