9 big UK city pride events you shouldn't miss this June
Get ready to paint the UK rainbow this June!
Whether you’re a seasoned Pride-goer or planning your very first march, we’ve rounded up 9 of the biggest and boldest Pride events happening across UK cities. Spoiler: glitter is practically mandatory.
Portsmouth Pride
Southsea Common, Portsmouth | Saturday, 7 June
As the official UK Pride 2025, Portsmouth Pride is set to deliver its biggest celebration yet. The day kicks off with a vibrant seafront parade, weaving through the city and setting the tone for a high-energy festival at Southsea Common. The main stage will feature a headline set by Girls Aloud’s Nadine Coyle, alongside a line-up of local talent, drag performers, and community speakers. Visitors can explore a wide array of community stalls, food vendors, and family-friendly zones. The celebrations continue well into the night with a legendary after-party running until 5 a.m., making this one of the most ambitious and exciting Pride events on the south coast.
Oxford Pride
South Park, Oxford | Saturday, 7 June
Now in its 22nd year, Oxford Pride is going bigger than ever with a theme of “The Greatest Show.” Held in the spacious South Park, this year’s event features circus-inspired performances, cabaret, live music, and plenty of community engagement. Expect stilt walkers, aerial artists, and an atmosphere that balances flamboyance with Oxford’s distinctive intellectual charm. The festival is the culmination of a week of inclusive programming, including talks, workshops, film screenings, and art exhibitions celebrating LGBTQ+ lives and voices.
Pride Canterbury
Westgate Gardens, Canterbury | Saturday, 7 June
Pride Canterbury offers a unique blend of history and celebration. The day begins with a colourful parade that winds through the medieval city centre, passing Canterbury Cathedral before arriving at the lush Westgate Gardens. The festival features drag performances, live bands, food and drink vendors, and a welcoming family area. The setting gives this Pride an intimate, community-focused feel, while still delivering on performance and spectacle. It’s a great choice for those looking to enjoy Pride in a more scenic and relaxed atmosphere.
York Pride
Knavesmire, York | Saturday, 7 June
One of the North’s most loved Pride events, York Pride begins with a high-spirited parade from the steps of York Minster, moving through the historic streets and culminating at the Knavesmire. The free festival features a cabaret tent, DJ sets, live acts, and a dance tent that stays lively all day. From community groups to local businesses, the city turns out in full force to support the LGBTQ+ community. With glitter, rainbow flags, and thousands of attendees, York Pride strikes the perfect balance between protest, celebration, and community.
Blackpool Pride
Blackpool Winter Gardens & Promenade | Saturday, 7 June
True to Blackpool’s character, this Pride event is bold, brash, and bursting with fun. From a rainbow-lit Blackpool Tower to a glittering promenade parade, the day is a celebration of diversity and showmanship. The Winter Gardens hosts a packed lineup of drag headliners, tribute acts, and rising LGBTQ+ performers, while the promenade and seafront offer street entertainment, market stalls, and family-friendly zones. With classic seaside charm and Vegas-style flair, Blackpool Pride is a party like no other.
Cambridge Pride
Jesus Green, Cambridge | Saturday, 14 June
Set along the River Cam, Cambridge Pride offers one of the most picturesque Pride events in the country. Known for its laid-back vibe and inclusive spirit, the event features a full-day festival with live music, drag, spoken word, and family-friendly activities. A highlight is the Pride Punting Parade, where boats decked in rainbows float down the river in celebration. With a strong focus on sustainability and accessibility, Cambridge Pride blends the city’s academic elegance with a progressive, welcoming celebration of LGBTQ+ identity.
Dundee Pride
City Square, Dundee | Sunday, 15 June
Scotland’s fourth-largest city delivers a Pride full of heart and hometown pride. Dundee Pride kicks off with a city-centre parade, followed by a festival in City Square featuring live music, drag performances, food trucks, and information stalls from local LGBTQ+ organisations. Known for its inclusive and community-led approach, Dundee Pride is a powerful mix of grassroots activism and joyful celebration. Whether you're local or travelling in, it’s a fantastic way to experience Pride with a distinctly Scottish flavour.
Essex Pride
Central Park, Chelmsford | Saturday, 21 June
Celebrating its 21st anniversary, Essex Pride remains a cornerstone of the East of England’s LGBTQ+ calendar. A lively city-centre march leads to a full-day festival in Central Park featuring multiple stages, drag performances, music, and a youth area. The event prides itself on being multi-generational and inclusive, with activities tailored to families, young people, and elders alike. Alongside the fun, there’s also a strong focus on visibility and education, with space for community groups and support organisations.
Cardiff – Pride Cymru (Mini Pride Edition)
Cardiff City Centre | Saturday, 22 June
Ahead of its full-scale return in August, Pride Cymru is hosting a Mini Pride edition that still brings plenty of colour and character. Set in the heart of Cardiff city centre, the event features a community march, performance stages, food stalls, and a family-friendly zone. While smaller in scale, it retains the festival’s spirit of inclusivity, activism, and joy. This Mini Pride is a perfect way to warm up for the summer while supporting one of Wales’s most impactful LGBTQ+ organisations.
