Despite the threat of storms, tens of thousands of people turned out to watch the 19th Gay Pride boat parade on Saturday, which this year included a Moroccan boat for the first time.

The start of the boat parade was brought forward by almost an hour because of the weather and started with a moment’s silence to remember the people who died in Malaysia Airways flight MH17.

The Aids Fonds charity and research group lost several prominent members in the disaster and led the procession with two boats. Banners on the side read ‘Remembering our colleagues on MH17’ and ‘Our work goes on. Together we will beat the virus’.

‘Taking part was a special memorial to the five Dutch Aids fighters and all the other victims,’ said a spokesman.

Jewish boat

In total, 80 boats took part in the parade. They included – for the first time – a specifically Moroccan boat and a Jewish boat with transsexual singer Dana International.

There was also a boat full of members of the armed forces and a city council boat with mayor Eberhard van der Laan and dozens of council officials.

Amsterdam police also had a boat, staffed by officers carrying placards which read ‘we listen, pink in blue’ and ‘Call us.’

Among the famous faces taking part were tattoo king Henk Schiffmacher and Eurovision Song Contest winner Conchita Wurst.