MOSCOW, May 1 (Itar-Tass) - May Day demonstration has started in downtown Moscow.

The march column organized by the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia mostly consists of members of the United Russia party and the All-Russia Popular Union.

The Federation’s Chairman, Mikhail Shmakov, estimated the number of people, who had gathered at the starting point of the route, as the one between 60,000 and 70,000.

All Moscow trade unions are participating in the demonstration. They have been joined by residents of the Moscow region and foreign delegates.

The people are carrying banners, flags and balloons while bands are treating them to dance music.

According to the organizers, at least 50 professional musicians playing the bayans -- or the Russian button accordions, are walking inside the columns and entertaining the participants with their rendition of popular Russian and Soviet songs.