Pride in London‘s month-long Pride Festival culminates with this weekend’s Pride Parade, with up to one and a half million people expected to descend on the West End.
It’s a chance to celebrate all the forms love, sexuality and gender take in London, to continue to fight against the issues that LGBTQ+ people still face in our city, and to express solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities around the world. Pride 2023 follows on from last year’s celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the first UK Pride way back in 1972. We’ve come a long way in 50 years, but there’s still a way to go – and a huge, joyous parade is an excellent reminder of that!
When is the Pride parade in London?
The Pride In London Parade 2023 kicks off at midday sharp, on Saturday, July 1. There are over 30,000 participants from more than 500 different groups, meaning it’s one of the biggest and most diverse pride routes in London’s history. It also means there’ll be a massive six hours of paradin’, from when the first group sets off, to when the final group arrives at its destination.
Where is the Pride in London parade route?
The Pride Parade route goes from Hyde Park Corner over to Picadilly Circus, Haymarket, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall, where it technically ends. But, there’s far more action going on at the stages in Soho and Trafalgar Square to continue the party (more on that in a little while).
Is there a Pride Parade route map?
You betcha bottom dollar:
Where can I go along the Pride route?
As well as setting the route out, that handy Pride In London map also pinpoints some suggestions along the way to hangout, refuel and take a pit stop along the way. She Soho, KU Bar, Duke Of Wellington and many more are among the suggestions. The map also shows where toilets, first aid points and community stalls are. All hail the map.
Where can I watch the Pride in London parade?
Designated viewing areas are in place all along the parade route, so if you’re hoping to spot a pal marching in the parade – or just want to wave a rainbow flag in support – you’ll find plenty of spots to watch the march.
What else is happening at Pride In London 2023?
There are five free, fun-filled stages in the West End offering entertainment galore from midday through to the evening.
The main stage in Trafalgar Square will be hosting a lot of performances, including headliner Adam Lambert to close the show. Before that, this is also the place to catch Todrick Hall,voice of Elsa-from-Frozen Idina Menzel, Dylan And The Moon, and Jack Hawitt.
The Leicester Square stage, otherwise known as the LGBTQIA Women and Non Binary Stage, also has a cracking lineup throughout the day. ARXX, Victoria Scone, Nxadia, Eden Hunter, Dragprov, and DJ Krystal Lake are among the performers you’ll be able to catch here.
Over at the Soho Square stage you can enjoy a packed out lineup presented by MZZ Kimberly, and get treated to performances from Bitten Peach, Princess Julia, Victoria Victoria, Tasty Tim and many more.
Finally, across the Golden Square and Dean Street stages in Soho, you’ll be able to enjoy a mix of drag stars, West End performances, and more. Drag Race icons Moira Less, Lady Jade Phoenix, Jamie Fuxx, and Juno Birch are all appearing, whilst there will also be performances from the London Gay Men’s Chorus, comedian Jordan Gray, and winners of Pride’s Got Talent 2023. See the full lineup of performers here!
How can I support Pride in London?
Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community, a proud ally, or a casual passerby who’d like to lend your support, there are loads of ways to get involved. That could involve taking part in grassroots action, fundraising for LGBTQ+ causes, donating some of your hard-earned, or simply buying some merch from the Pride in London shop. Check out the website for more!
Also published on Medium.