The UK’s most reliable and up-to-date Pride Guide has once again been released by The Pride Shop.
The calendar showcases over 200 of the UK’s Pride Events.
The Pride Shop, the UK’s officially trademarked Pride Shop, has been publishing the official Pride Shop Pride Calendar list since 2020. This year, the team has taken special care to update and correct links to Pride events, which many of the other calendars that you can find online do not.
Currently, there are over 200 Pride events that are listed, which is an increase of over 20 events last year – there are new editions such as Bowes Park Pride in North London.
The calendar covers Pride events which take place in all four nations of the UK, as well as events that are taking place in Ireland (EIRE). In the UK, Pride events run from February until October. It includes events such as Silver Pride, Bi Pride and Trans Pride taking place across the country.
You can find out events by month by clicking on our easy links below.
Pride season lasts quite a long time in the UK, the first is in February and the final one is in December – so it can be tricky to know what to bring to a pride.
Here’s our quick survival guide to pride, what you should bring and what should definitely keep at home.
With hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of people visiting one of over 180 prides across the UK it’s a good idea to go prepared. Pride events can often be crowded, expensive and outdoors so here are our top 12 tips on how to survive pride.
Alternatively, you may want to keep the sun off your head during the height of summer with a unique LGBTQ+ pride hat. Wearing a hat can be key to staving off heat stroke and getting a sunburned head.
Or you can wear a hat with an umbrella, which serves two purposes in case of a sudden summer downpour.
2) Battery Powerpack
Smartphones are amazing at capturing the moment whether it’s through pictures, face time or you being able to update your social about who’s doing who. The only problem is the battery never lasts long enough. So grab a power source.
3) Medication
edf
Only the legal sort. Take painkillers. Nothing kills the moment more than a stinking hideous headache caused by whatever this year’s headliner is supposed to be. Also, take any meds you take on a daily basis. Take a 24-hour supply – just in case you don’t go back to yours. If you’re on PrEP then it’d be a good idea to take a supply with you, at least four pills, particularly if you’re on an “as and when” regime.
4) Secret Tenner
Stuff it in your pants, your socks or secret it away somewhere else. You’ll never know when it might come in handy.
5) Uber
If you find yourself in a place you don’t know summon an Uber cab. If your area doesn’t yet have Uber then make sure you know the local cab firm’s telephone number or download their app. Make sure you have enough battery on your phone to make that call or fire up the taxi app.
6) Sun protection
Despite the fact that it’s overcast you can still get burnt to buggery so make sure you wear sunblock. If you’re looking for a sunblock that doesn’t go all white and sticky so you look like a sweaty pig – we suggest Image Skincare Prevention + daily matt moisturiser – expensive but well worth the extra.
You might get lucky so bring some protection and you might even get lucky with more than one person so bring lots.
If you don’t use them – share them with your mates – make sure they’re protected too and don’t forget lube. You can buy travel-size lubes like this Prowler CUM lube which makes it easy to transport around.
If you end up at someone else’s place you might want to bring a spare pair of undies – you know so the walk of shame isn’t so Ewwww. THEGAYSHOP has some sexy options. The only question is will you go for a brief, jockstap, thong or trunk?
9) Antibacterial lotion
The last thing you want to do is pick up a bug from one of the many thousands of people who will attend pride, so pick up some anti-bacterial lotion. Many of the portaloos provided at pride will also have anti-bacterial handwash for free.
10) Earplugs
Protect your eardrums. Sounds from the stage could damage your hearing – with noises louder than a Jumbo Jet taking off. If earplugs aren’t your thing then maybe take a break from the stage area every so often to give your hearing a break.
11) Put your credit and debit cards on your phone
Lose your wallet? Not to worry (too much) if you’ve put your credit and debit card’s details into your phone’s wallet then you can still you contactless payments, meaning you’ll still be able to access your money.
12 Wear Rainbows – Suitable attire
Okay, this one is not strictly necessary, but hey, when else are you going to get to wear a rainbow blazer or jacket, or when else can you wear rainbow hot pants without everyone thinking how inappropriate it is? Pride is a day when and where you should feel free to wear whatever it is that you want and feel comfortable in. Plus it’s super cute when the high street becomes awash with rainbows… Show your pride hun!
This article contains links to our partners and companies we’re affiliated with. These links have not been paid for upfront, but we may earn a commission if you buy from one of the vendors.
The UK is home to over 170 pride events, you can find them listed over at THEPRIDESHOP’s handy pride calendar and this weekend there are 14 pride events to choose from West Lothian to Belfast to Hull. There’s no doubt that you’re never too far away from a Pride event in the UK. To find out a bit more about each pride taking place this weekend, click on the link below.
The first Pride event in the UK, known as the UK’s first official Gay Pride Rally, took place in London on July 1, 1972.
The event, organized by the Gay Liberation Front, saw around 2,000 participants marching from Trafalgar Square to Hyde Park. It was a significant milestone in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and marked the beginning of an annual tradition of Pride celebrations in the UK.
Since then, Pride events have grown in size, visibility, and importance, spreading to various cities and regions across the country. At last count, there were over 170 prides in the UK. The UK boasts two of the largest prides events in the world in London and Brighton.
What can you expect from a Pride in the UK?
Attending a Pride event is a unique and vibrant experience that offers a wide range of activities and celebrations. While each Pride event may have its own distinct features, here are some common elements you can expect:
LGBTQ+ Parades or March: Pride events often kick off with a colourful parade or march, where participants walk, dance, and celebrate through the streets. The parade showcases a diverse range of LGBTQ+ individuals, community organizations, allies, and floats representing different causes.
Festivities and Entertainment: Pride events typically include live performances, music concerts, drag shows, dance parties, and other forms of entertainment. You can expect a lively and celebratory atmosphere, with a variety of artists, performers, and DJs taking the stage.
Community Engagement: Pride is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to come together and engage with community organizations, advocacy groups, and supportive businesses. You’ll find booths, stalls, and information centres where you can learn about resources, support networks, and activism opportunities.
Pride Merchandise: Pride events often feature vendors and stalls selling a wide range of merchandise, including rainbow flags, clothing, accessories, pins, stickers, and various LGBTQ+ pride-themed items. It’s a chance to show your support and purchase items that represent your identity and pride.
Workshops and Panel Discussions: Many Pride events also host educational workshops, panel discussions, and speaker sessions covering various LGBTQ+ topics, such as activism, health and wellness, legal rights, and social issues. These provide opportunities for learning, dialogue, and community empowerment.
Visibility and Expression: Pride events are known for their acceptance and celebration of diverse identities. Attendees often express themselves through colourful costumes, unique fashion, body art, and creative displays of individuality. Pride is a space where people feel free to be themselves without judgment.
Inclusive Environment: Pride events strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for all attendees. They promote acceptance, respect, and equality for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. You can expect a supportive atmosphere where you can celebrate, connect, and feel a sense of belonging.
Pride In London may be in for a bit of trouble this weekend over taking money from sponsors such as United Airlines.
The Pride event could find itself in the headlines once again after the protest group, Just Stop Oil published a list of demands on Twitter, insisting that they may take action if the demands are not addressed.
Taking to Twitter Just Stop Oil made 3 demands of Pride In London. The group said that if they were not met, “we may or may not take action at this weekend’s events”.
Just For Oil also suggested that the Climate Crisis was the biggest threat to LGBT+ rights, due to social collapse.
The letter to Pride has apparently been penned by LGBTQ+ members of Just Stop Oil.
Pride In London have yet to respond to the letter.
Pride In London’s sponsors for 2023 include Tesco, WeWork, Netflix, Coca-Cola, Transport For London, Playstation, OpenReach, intuit QuickBooks, IHG Hotels and Resorts, Durex and Cisco.
If you’re looking to go to pride this weekend, 24th and 25th of June then you’re in luck as there are plenty of choices that stretch right across the UK.
Table of Contents
The UK is home to over 170 pride events, you can find them listed over at The Pride Shop, who has a handy pride calendar and this weekend there are around 10 pride events to choice from Scotland to Abergavenny to Forest Gate in London. Dublin Pride also takes place this weekend.
What Prides are taking place this weekend?
Here are the prides and when they take place, click on the name of the event to find out more about their event and start times.
The first Pride event in the UK, known as the UK’s first official Gay Pride Rally, took place in London on July 1, 1972.
The event, organized by the Gay Liberation Front, saw around 2,000 participants marching from Trafalgar Square to Hyde Park. It was a significant milestone in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and marked the beginning of an annual tradition of Pride celebrations in the UK.
Since then, Pride events have grown in size, visibility, and importance, spreading to various cities and regions across the country. At last count there were over 170 prides in the UK.
What can you expect from a Pride in the UK?
Attending a Pride event is a unique and vibrant experience that offers a wide range of activities and celebrations. While each Pride event may have its own distinct features, here are some common elements you can expect:
Parade or March: Pride events often kick off with a colorful parade or march, where participants walk, dance, and celebrate through the streets. The parade showcases a diverse range of LGBTQ+ individuals, community organizations, allies, and floats representing different causes.
Festivities and Entertainment: Pride events typically include live performances, music concerts, drag shows, dance parties, and other forms of entertainment. You can expect a lively and celebratory atmosphere, with a variety of artists, performers, and DJs taking the stage.
Community Engagement: Pride is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to come together and engage with community organizations, advocacy groups, and supportive businesses. You’ll find booths, stalls, and information centers where you can learn about resources, support networks, and activism opportunities.
Pride Merchandise: Pride events often feature vendors and stalls selling a wide range of merchandise, including rainbow flags, clothing, accessories, pins, stickers, and various LGBTQ+ pride-themed items. It’s a chance to show your support and purchase items that represent your identity and pride.
Workshops and Panel Discussions: Many Pride events also host educational workshops, panel discussions, and speaker sessions covering various LGBTQ+ topics, such as activism, health and wellness, legal rights, and social issues. These provide opportunities for learning, dialogue, and community empowerment.
Visibility and Expression: Pride events are known for their acceptance and celebration of diverse identities. Attendees often express themselves through colorful costumes, unique fashion, body art, and creative displays of individuality. Pride is a space where people feel free to be themselves without judgment.
Inclusive Environment: Pride events strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for all attendees. They promote acceptance, respect, and equality for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. You can expect a supportive atmosphere where you can celebrate, connect, and feel a sense of belonging.
Ah, the glorious Pride Month has arrived, bringing with it a wave of rainbow-coloured support from businesses big and small. Social media is ablaze with vibrant posts and products, as companies attempt to show their solidarity with the gay community. But wait, there’s a new twist to this rainbow extravaganza – will these brands cower in fear when faced with right-wing boycotts?
Oh yes, the conservatives have come out swinging, threatening to boycott any brand that dares to display even the faintest hint of support for LGBTQ+ folks. They’re going all out, urging others to join their little anti-rainbow crusade and even wreaking havoc by trashing products in stores. It’s like they’re on a mission to be the Grinches of Pride Month!
Now, let’s be honest, negative reactions towards LGBTQ-inclusive businesses and their marketing campaigns are nothing new. But lately, things have taken a turn for the worse. Hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community has been brewing like a bad cup of tea, especially in the good ol’ US of A.
As a result, the LGBTQ+ community is on high alert, observing these brands like hawks. We’re watching to see if they’ll stand tall with us, waving their rainbow flags high, or if they’ll succumb to the pressure and melt away like a sad, forgotten popsicle. The ball’s in your court, brands. Don’t let us down!
Target
Oh, the drama continues! This time, the spotlight is on Target, the beloved US supermarket chain that found itself in hot water with the LGBTQ+ community.
But did they cave in?
It has to be said they made a questionable move by removing some products from their Pride range and shuffling around store displays, all because of those pesky threats from right-wingers. It’s like they were playing a game of retail hide-and-seek but with rainbow-coloured merchandise.
Bud light
But wait, that’s not all! The conservative backlash has reached new heights of fury and absurdity. Back in April, Bud Light thought it would be a great idea to collaborate with Dylan Mulvaney in a sponsored Instagram post. Little did they know, it was the perfect recipe for a storm of anti-trans madness. Like a swarm of angry bees, social media users, politicians, and commentators went on the attack, targeting both the beer brand and poor Mulvaney.
As the weeks went by, the outrage grew to epic proportions. People were more than just a little upset about this “woke” collaboration. The online echo chambers became more insular than ever, with calls for boycotts echoing through the digital halls. And if that wasn’t enough, there were reports of Bud Light displays being smashed in stores, musician Kid Rock taking target practice on cans with an assault weapon (because apparently, that’s a rational response), and bars refusing to sell the brew due to supposed religious beliefs. It’s like the world turned upside down and started spinning on its head!
The fallout from all this madness hit the market hard, with billions being wiped from the market share of Anheuser-Busch, Bud Light’s parent company. It seems like their decision to dip their toe into the rainbow pool came with some seriously colourful consequences. Who knew that a simple beer collaboration could ignite such a chaotic firestorm?
Hang on tight, folks. It’s going to be a wild and bumpy ride as these controversies continue to unfold. Cheers to the crazy world we live in!
So here are some more brands that are being “cancelled” by the right-wing
Build a Bear
Maybelline
Hersey
Innocent Drinks
Chick-Fil-A
Lego
Kohl’s
Starbucks
Nike
Adidas
And that’s just this year alone. Yep, those bigots sure are mad that corporates are putting their money where their mouths are and showing solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
The first Pride Month was in June 1970, commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which were a series of protests by members of the LGBTQ+ community in response to a police raid on the Stonewall Inn in New York City. The first one was widely regarded as a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States and around the world. The main goal of Pride Month is to promote awareness, increase visibility, and foster inclusivity and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
Pride month came out of the Stonewall Riots
The Stonewall Riots were a series of spontaneous demonstrations and protests that took place in the early morning of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar located in Greenwich Village in New York City. At the time, police raids on gay bars were common, but on this occasion, the patrons of the Stonewall Inn decided to fight back, leading to several nights of protests and clashes with the police. The Stonewall Riots are widely regarded as a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States and around the world.
Pride Month is celebrated in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Spain, Brazil, and many others. The specific events and activities that take place during Pride Month may vary by location, but they often involve parades, marches, rallies, and other public celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community and its achievements. Pride Month is typically held in June, although some countries may hold their celebrations at other times of the year.
Pride Month is an annual observance that celebrates and recognizes the LGBTQ+ community’s history, culture, and contributions. It is recognized in many countries around the world and typically takes place in June. The month-long celebration includes a variety of events, including parades, marches, rallies, and other public celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community and its achievements.
Is Pride Month political?
Pride Month has its roots in political and social activism, as it commemorates the Riots, which were triggered by police brutality and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.
However, today, Pride Month is celebrated as a cultural celebration and a way to promote awareness, increase visibility, and foster inclusivity and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. It is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to come together, celebrate diversity, and advocate for equal rights and social justice. So, while Pride Month has political roots, it has become an important cultural event and celebration.
Do all gay people celebrate Pride Month?
Not all gay people celebrate Pride Month. While Pride is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and its history, culture, and contributions, everyone has their own reasons for participating or not participating in it. Some people may choose not to participate because of personal beliefs, experiences, or preferences, while others may not have access to events or activities due to logistical, financial, or geographic barriers.
There are loads of great books on the birth of pride and what it means to be LGBTQ+ in the 21st century. Check them out and find out about how June became pride month, after all, reading is fundamental.
Did President Bill Clinton create Pride Month?
No, President Bill Clinton did not create Pride Month, however, he was the first to officially declare June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Three other Presidents, LGBTQ+ Pride Month. It is notable that they are all Democrats. No Republican President has celebrated LGBTQ+ people.
Specific transgender pride events are on the rise in the UK for our transgender siblings to show off their pride and be centred within their own events.
Here are the top six transgender pride you have to know about that are happening in 2022 right here in the UK.
Here are some of the transgender prides that are happening in July and beyond.
Where are the biggest trans pride events in the UK?
First on the list is Brighton’s Trans Pride which takes place on the 16th of July 2022, this is probably the most famous of the transgender prides in the UK and one of the longest-running. Brighton’s transgender pride has been running since 2013. It is a grass-roots, community-led organisation staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers
From one of the oldest events to one of the newest, Cornwall Pride in Newquay this year was dedicated to transgender people. It took place on the 14th of May 2022.
Trans prides happen all across the UK. They usually take place between March and July.
Trans Pride London is set to take place this year on the 9th of July, a week after Pride In London.
Trans Pride Southwest is an annual event which takes place in Bristol. Places are still being put together for its 2022 event. Its first event took place in 2019. During the pandemic, it ran a number of online and limited in-person events.
If you live in Northern Ireland you’ll be happy to know that there is usually Trans Pride in Belfast, however, a date is yet to be announced. Its first pride was marched in 2018. Unfortunately due to Covid-19, the last two events had to be cancelled. it is hoped that an event will take place in 2022.
There is a transgender pride in Scotland, however, it’s already had its march. In May a pride event took place in Paisley. Each year the Pride takes place in a different city in Scotland, in 2018 it was in Edinburgh, in 2019 it was in Dundee.
So why does Trans Pride exist in the UK?
As Brighton’s trans pride puts it, “Our aim is to inspire all trans, intersex, gender variant and queer people to help make a real difference by celebrating trans lives and gender diversity. We aim to educate and eliminate discrimination by promoting equality and diversity through visibility, while also celebrating our unique history,”
As 2022 looks to be a more successful year for Pride due to the lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions, we look at when Pride Month 2022 is and what it stands for
Many prides decided to postpone their events in 2020 and in 2021, but the majority of prides in the UK are planning a summer return, although some have moved dates and locations. You can keep up to date with The Pride Shops Pride Calendar, which is updated weekly.
Officially Pride Month 2022 is in June to coincide with the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and this year, prides across the UK will be celebrating an extra special anniversary, as it’s the 50th year of Pride in the UK.
Where did Pride Month originate?
Pride Month stemmed from the US, which has been adopted more widely across the world, but in reality, there are many Pride months across the globe. For instance, Sydney Mardi Gras, Australia’s biggest pride takes place in February (although they do have a Pride festival in June) and here in the UK, there isn’t such thing as one month for Pride. No, the UK is quite unusual in that Pride events are spread out across most of the year.
In the US most prides happen in the month of June to coincide with the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, in the UK however things are a little more spread out with more and more county, city and town prides becoming available.
There are over 150 pride events in the UK alone and they start in Feb with the last (outside Winter Pride) in September. So Pride month in the UK is better described as Pride Half Year!
In 2019 the town of Llanelli in South Wales celebrated it’s first pride.
Want to know more about prides, see our entire collection of Pride articles here. Want to shop for Pride Merchandise, visit our partner retailer, THE PRIDE SHOP.
This week it’s Deaf Awareness week in the UK. So here’s how you say some important LGBT+ terms in British Sign Language.
A few years ago, Deaf Direct produced a video, just before Pride season, which included various British Sign Language signs to help everybody get to grasp with a few LGBT+ terms.
The video was created by Deaf Direct to “celebrate the diversity of our community”.
If you’ve ever wanted to know how to sign the words lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, this simple video helps you say those words perfectly.
Do people in the UK use ASL or BSL?
William and Simon, who both appear in the video explain that in the UK we use BSL – rather than ASL (American Sign Language) and they take us through the gestures you need to make to say, in BSL, a few terms which identify LGBT+ folks.
How to say LGBT+ terms in British Sign Lanugauge
In the video the LGBT+ words and terms Simon and William demonstrate are:
Lesbian
Gay
Bisexual
Transgender
Queer
Straight
Leather
Bear
Drag
Pride Day
Happy Pride Day
Fabulous
So go learn how to say Happy Pride Day you Fabulous Queers
Many prides decided to postpone their events until 2021, so many will have the same theme or indeed entertainment acts and speakers that were planned for their 2020 festivals. Even now, many prides including Brighton Pride and Warwickshire, both are usually in August, have decided to cancel their events until 2022 at the earliest.
Officially Pride Month is in June in 2021 to coincide with the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
Where did Pride Month originate?
Pride Month stemmed from the US, which has been adopted more widely across the world, but in reality, there are many Pride months across the globe. For instance, Sydney Mardi Gras, Australia’s biggest pride takes place in February (although they do have a Pride festival in June) and here in the UK, there isn’t such thing as one month for Pride.
In the US most prides happen in the month of June to coincide with the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, in the UK however things are a little more spread out with more and more county, city and town prides becoming available.
In 2019 the town of Llanelli in South Wales celebrated it’s first pride.
Want to know more about prides, see our entire collection of Pride articles here. Want to shop for Pride Merchandise, visit our partner retailer, THE PRIDE SHOP.
