As summer approaches, streets across London and the rest of the UK prepare to transform into a colourful celebration of love, equality, and diversity, with Pride in London standing as the crowning jewel in the UK’s LGBTQ+ calendar. It’s an event that brings millions together in a dazzling display of solidarity and joy.
Whether you’re planning to join the festivities for the first time or returning for another unforgettable celebration, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Pride in London as well as some of the best event in and around the UK.
What is Pride Month in the UK?
Pride Month in the UK is a period dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ communities, commemorating their history, and continuing the fight for equality and acceptance. While many events take place throughout June (which is recognised internationally as Pride Month), the UK’s Pride celebrations extend beyond this timeframe, with major events happening from May through September.
The month serves as a reminder of the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and the challenges still faced by these communities. It’s a time when people across the UK, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, come together to learn, listen, show support and solidarity.
Who Started Pride UK?
The roots of Pride in the UK can be traced back to the early 1970s, inspired by the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York. The UK’s first official Pride march took place in London on 1 July 1972, organised by the Gay Liberation Front (GLF). This pioneering event saw approximately 2,000 people march from Trafalgar Square to Hyde Park, deliberately choosing a date close to the anniversary of the Stonewall riots.
These early marches were primarily political protests fighting for equality rather than the celebrations we see today. The early Pride events were grassroots movements, not owned or trademarked by any single organisation, reflecting their ethos of collective action.
How Many Pride Marches are there in the UK?
The UK’s Pride landscape has blossomed significantly since those early days. From the initial London march, Pride events have spread across the nation, with celebrations now taking place in virtually every major city and many smaller towns.
Today, there are well over 100 Pride events across the UK annually, each with its own unique character and community focus. Notable celebrations include:
- Manchester Pride, one of the country’s largest, featuring the vibrant Gay Village Party
Brighton & Hove Pride, described by some as the UK’s most popular LGBTQ+ event
Leeds Pride, dubbed as the UK’s friendliest Pride festivals with over 75,000 visitors every year.
UK Black Pride, the world’s largest free Pride event for LGBTQIA+ people of Black and other minority ethnic backgrounds
London Trans+ Pride, a grassroots alternative to the more popular Pride marches across the city.
Where is the Biggest Pride Event in the UK?
Pride in London is the UK’s largest Pride event, attracting around 1,500,000 annually. Headlined in 2024 by the likes of Bebe Rexha, RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Ginger Johnson, and drag legends Drag Syndrome, you can expect 2025’s celebrations to have the same level of superstar acts and extravagance come July 5.
Brighton & Hove Pride also contends for the title as the UK’s biggest and best Pride. This summer, you’ll find Mariah Carey, the Sugababes, Will Young, Slayyter, Natalie Imbruglia, Romy, Bimini and Jode Harsh all on the main stage over the August weekend. Pride on the Park is where the big-name entertainment’s at, but a lot is happening across the city. Pride Village Party and Pride Community Parade will both be offering an eclectic mix of entertainment, so expect drag artists, live musicians and DJs at every turn.
What Date is London Pride 2025?
Pride in London 2025 will take place on Saturday, 5 July 2025. The celebration will feature the iconic Pride Parade through central London, alongside multiple stages showcasing diverse performances and talent.
The event promises to be particularly special, with Pride in London having recently announced its bid to host WorldPride 2030. This ambitious proposal includes a 10-day festival highlighting key priorities for the LGBTQ+ community, including gender recognition reform and support for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.
Do I Need Tickets for London Pride?
One of the most wonderful aspects of Pride in London is its accessibility – the main Parade and public stages are completely free to attend! Unlike event such as Pride in the Park in Brighton, Pride in London ensures that everyone can join in the celebration without financial barriers.
While general attendance is free, there are some optional paid elements for those looking for an enhanced experience:
Grandstand tickets: If you want to guarantee an excellent view of the parade from a comfortable seated position, Pride in London offers bookable grandstand tickets on Haymarket. These are limited and sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended.
VIP experiences: Various venues around the Parade route and festival areas offer special Pride packages, often including private viewing areas, refreshments, and exclusive facilities.
Getting the Most Out of Your London Pride Experience
London Pride transforms the city centre into a vibrant celebration spanning multiple locations. The main attractions include:
The Pride Parade: Starting around midday, the Parade winds its way through central London, typically beginning near Hyde Park Corner and moving through Piccadilly, Haymarket, and Trafalgar Square before culminating at Whitehall Place.
Multiple performance stages: Trafalgar Square hosts the Main Stage, while Leicester Square features the Women’s Stage, Soho Square hosts the Trans and Non-Binary Stage, Victoria Embankment plays home to the Family Zone, and Golden Square offers the World Stage. All these stages are free to access and showcase incredible LGBTQ+ talent.
Soho celebrations: After the Parade, the festivities continue in Soho, London’s historic LGBTQ+ district, where you’re free to eat, drink, hang out and all the rest. Enjoy!
For visitors to London, the area around the Pride celebrations offers endless opportunities to explore the capital’s rich history and culture. From world-class museums and galleries to iconic landmarks and superb dining options, you can easily extend your Pride weekend into a memorable London mini-break.
