UK Pride Festival Events 2022: Everything you need to know
Happy Pride Month everyone! June is a month dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ communities across the world and we don’t know about you, but we are so thrilled!
Pride Festival is celebrated annually in June and this year it is more exciting than ever with it being 50 years since the first Pride protest march in London in 1972. Whether you’ve attended tons of Pride Festival events or are yet to attend any, this guide will provide you with all info on the summer Pride events across the UK.
Get started with your LGBT+ celebrations and find out everything you need to know to get you prepped for the most fantastic year yet…
What is Pride Festival and when did it start?
Pride Festival is an annual LGBTQ+ festival which is held every year in June with parades and events taking place across the world. Pride takes place in June to honour the history of the Stonewall Riots, which took place in 1969. The riots were a series of protests by members of the gay community in response to a police raid that occurred at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village, New York.
Not only does Pride honour the events that took place at Stonewall and fight for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community, but it works to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning individuals.
Now 50 years on from the first pride march in the UK which was held in London on 1 July 1972, we are beaming with excitement for the festivities taking place this summer.
The community celebrates in several different ways, and you do not have to be specifically part of the community to get involved and provide support. Although please be mindful and educated of the history behind Pride and its importance. There are fantastic events for people of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate sexual diversity and the influence of LGBTQ+ communities across the world.
Pride is also an opportunity to advocate for further change. The community has come a long way since Stonewall but there are still things that need to be improved. Why not get involved and show your support?
Carry on reading to find out more about what to expect whilst attending Pride and the important events which are taking place – add them to your calendar!
Discover more about the Pride Festival and LBGTQ+ rights history.
What can you expect?
Perhaps this year is going to be your first Pride Festival or maybe you have not been able to celebrate since before the pandemic? Don’t worry! We’re here to provide you with everything you need to know!
Pride is full of different activities and there is SO much fun to be had from parades and protests to parties and events. Whatever event you attend, expect dancing, cheering, singing, hugging and a feeling of togetherness.
There are tons of people that attend from friends and families to local clubs, charities and institutions as well as police and security, so you’ll feel safe and secure! The events are truly wholesome and celebrate the history and impact the LGBTQ+ community has had across the globe.
A Pride event usually begins with a parade and a march across a part of the city or town it is taking place in to celebrate equality protest against discrimination and honour the history of the LGBTQ+ community.
For example, London Pride begins with a parade across the city and has free events that take place in Trafalgar Square and typically attracts 1.5 million visitors to the city each June! This is similar to events that occur across the country, but each event has different line-ups and activities planned. This means if you attend more than one Pride event, you’ll have a unique experience every time!
Afterwards, there will normally be street parties or after-parties in venues that you can attend with live music, although not all of them are free to attend and you may need tickets in advance, so make sure to check this out and plan before venturing out on your celebrations!
Some people choose to drink alcohol whilst celebrating at Pride events, but don’t feel like you have to do this to join in the fun. There really is so many people who attend and tons of activities, so you’ll have the best time however you choose to celebrate!
How can I get involved?
There are hundreds of Pride Festival events happening across the UK across the summer period, so there will be an event happening near you as well as virtual events which are happening too! Here is our list of the in-person Pride Events taking place this summer which we are buzzing for. Which events will you be attending? Let us know!
The Pride Calendar:
June:
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Ludlow Fringe Pride |
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Blackpool Pride |
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Hebridean Pride |
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Ellesmere Port Pride |
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Arran Pride |
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Femme Fest Derbyshire |
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Portsmouth Pride |
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People’s Pride Southampton |
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Exmouth Pride |
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Edinburgh Pride |
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Silloth Pride |
July:
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Shetland Pride |
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Fife Pride |
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Bridlington Pride |
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Sparkle Weekend (Bridlington Spa) |
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Summertime Live Brighton |
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Worthing Pride |
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Isle of Wight Pride |
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Croydon Pride Surrey |
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Brighton Trans Pride |
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Southend Pride |
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Northern Pride (Newcastle) |
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UK Pride (Newcastle) |
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Eastbourne Pride |
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Oldham Pride |
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Pride in Hull |
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Chesterfield Pride |
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Pride in Liverpool |
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Nottinghamshire Pride |
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Romford Pride |
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Norwich Pride |
August:
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Brighton Pride |
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Leeds Pride |
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Swindon and Wiltshire Pride |
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New Forest Pride |
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Northumberland Pride |
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Manchester Pride |
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Walsall Pride |
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Crawley Pride |
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Southampton Pride |
September:
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Totnes Pride |
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Derby Pride |
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Eastleigh Pride |
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Haringey Pride |
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Gay Wedding Show / London |
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Birmingham Pride |
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Gay Wedding Show / Manchester |
There are sooo many events taking place so please do let us know if we have missed any events of our list. We can’t wait to attend some and get the pride party started!
Want to celebrate Pride but can’t attend in-person? You can explore a calendar of the best virtual events which are happening soon!
If you require more information on tickets, accommodation and travel for the festivities taking place for Pride, then head to the official Pride Events website.
We hope you have the absolute BEST time at Pride Festival and have a great Pride Month! We look forward to seeing all you fabulous people across the country in support of the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating diversity, inclusion and equity. Please tag us @_homesforstudents.
Need somewhere to stay for the Pride Festival events? We have Summer Accommodation across the country in fantastic city locations, you can explore what we have available on our website here.