A rundown of all the big gay Pride events happening this summer

Last year saw the cancellation of many UK Pride events due to the ongoing Covid crisis. Pride in London, which according to organisers attracted 1.5 million spectators in 2019, was one of many to be called off.

Some cities that still hosted Pride events even reduced the festivities on offer. Nottinghamshire Pride, for instance, was stripped down to just a parade to try and limit crowds and consequently, the spread of the virus.

This year, however, with all Covid restrictions virtually gone, many Prides are back on. From drag acts to empowering marches, here’s a rundown of the biggest Pride events taking place across the UK this summer.

Brighton and Hove Pride (Friday 5th – Sunday 7th July)

 

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After two years of absence, Brighton and Hove Pride is returning with a bang. On the Saturday and Sunday, artists such as Paloma Faith and Christina Aguilera will be performing as part of Brighton and Hove Pride’s We Are Fabuloso festival, taking up the mantle from performers in previous years such as Kylie Minogue and Britney Spears. The event also teases dance tents as well as a host of new, diverse and immersive experiences at We Are Fabuloso.

In addition to We Are Fabuloso, there will be cabaret and comedy shows at the event. The infamous annual parade will also be taking place. Organisers say the theme for the parade this year is “Love, Protest & Unity” – iconic.

Manchester Pride (Friday 26th – Monday 29th August)

Following controversy about the nature of Manchester Pride, this year’s event will look a little different to previous years’. In February 2022, organisers announced that the music festival commonly held at the event, Manchester Live, would not be going ahead this summer. They said that they’d received complaints from the public that such a large music festival “was seen as less important to furthering our cause”.

 

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Still, this year’s rendition of Manchester Pride will be just as exciting and memorable. Lined up is a four-day party in Manchester’s iconic Gay Village. It will be opened on the 26 August by a trans-led event called Trans Filth & Joy. A candlelit vigil will also be held at Manchester Pride so visitors can pay their respects to those who have lost their fight against HIV/AIDS.

Pride in London (Saturday 2nd July)

The Independent reported that 2022’s Pride in London is set to be the biggest Pride event across the world this year. There’s even a famous line-up of singers set to perform at the event, including the likes of Emeli Sande, Ava Max and 2018 Eurovision winner Netta. RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni Lawrence Chaney and The Vivienne will also be performing.

 

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In Leicester Square, there will be a stage dedicated to platforming women, non-binary people and transgender entertainers. Money raised from the wider event will go towards Pride in London’s Unity Fund which supports grassroots LGBTQ organisations across the city.

London Trans+ Pride (Saturday 9th July)

Another LGBTQ-centred event taking place in the capital this summer is London Trans+ Pride. It will comprise of a march through the capital in the hopes of spreading the word about the dissolution of transgender rights in the UK.

 

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Earlier this year, the UK fell further down Europe’s LGBTQ+ ranking due to the government’s refusal to ban conversion therapy for transgender people, as well as the government’s decision to refrain from implementing certain elements of gender recognition reform.

It’s rankings such as this that have enraged the organisers of London Trans+ Pride and encouraged them to carry out the event again this year. They said the protest will challenge the “abhorrent and deliberate” measures imposed by Boris Johnson that are related to transgender rights.

Pride Edinburgh (Saturday 25th June)

Despite its cancellation last year, Pride Edinburgh is full steam ahead for 2022. The event will be celebrating its 25^th anniversary this June with the theme of ‘Let it be!’.

 

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As well as market stalls and eclectic performances, Pride Edinburgh will also be hosting its annual march this year. The march will assemble at Scottish Parliament Green at 12.30pm. Then, at around 1pm, the procession will set off to the Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) where it will conclude.

Moreover, LGBTQ+ venues in the Scottish capital such as Planet Bar will be hosting shows with the likes of Lawrence Chaney and singer Kelli-Leigh.

Bristol Pride (Saturday 9th July)

Sharing its date with London Trans+ Pride, Bristol Pride will return after a two-year hiatus. Taking place on The Downs, the event will play host to multiple stages and will platform both well-known and emerging performers.

 

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The march will also make a comeback this summer. At around 2 miles long, it will take an hour to complete. Moreover, the march must be made entirely on-foot, as organisers do not let floats or other vehicles take part in the procession. This is due to safety concerns.

UK Black Pride (Sunday 14th August) 

As Europe’s largest official celebration of LGBTQ people of African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Caribbean and Latin American descent, this year’s UK Black Pride is sure to be both fun and inspirational.

 

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10,000 people assembled in Haggerston Park in Hackney last year as part of the event. This year, however, things will be even bigger and better; this year’s UK Black Pride will grace Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford.

Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation, Lyn Garner, commented on this decision to move the event this year. They said: “We are delighted to host the UK Black Pride at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This year’s theme of power will resonate around the Park where a huge transformation for the better is being delivered by placing inclusivity at the heart of everything we do.”

The Tab’s Pride reporting series is putting a focus on highlighting LGBTQ+ issues and celebrating queer voices across UK campuses.

If you or someone you know has been affected by this story you can contact Switchboard, the LGBTQ+ helpline, on 0300 330 0630 or visit their website. You can also find help through The Mix. 

If you’ve got a story you’d like to tell us – whether it’s an incident of homophobia on campus, an experience you’d like to share, or anything you think we should hear, get in touch in confidence by emailing [email protected]

Read more from The Tab’s Pride series:

• 11 of the most wholesome queer TV shows and movies to watch this Pride Month

• Five things asexuality does mean and five things it definitely doesn’t

• Dear straight people, think twice before coming to any Pride events this summer

Feature image courtesy of Tristan B. on Unsplash.