In this article, you'll learn the following:
Pride is one of the biggest annual celebrations among LGBTQIA+ communities. Most towns and cities host a parade with an eclectic array of events, as people swarm the streets in colourful clothing.
Can't decide which pride(s) to go to this year? We’ve put this handy guide together to help make your decision a little easier. We’ll be adding to the guide as more information comes in. Here are our top Pride picks in the South West.
Dorset Youth Pride
Dorset Youth Pride is an inclusive event welcoming all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Taking place at Shire Hall Museum, one of Dorchester’s most historic buildings, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable time. There are many exciting things to do throughout the day, with free activities and entertainment to keep you busy.
When? Saturday 10 June
Price: Free
How to get there: Dorchester South is a short stroll from Shire Hall Museum
Portsmouth Pride
Portsmouth Pride is a free all-day event on Southsea Common - there’s plenty of fun to be had! Head to the main stage for performances from drag icons Danny Beard and Black Peppa, along with talented tribute acts paying homage to musical heroes. Plenty of food, drinks and activity stalls are set to keep you fuelled and engaged all day.
When? Saturday 10 June
Price: Free
How to get there: Portsmouth Pride is a half-hour walk from Portsmouth & Southsea, or you can catch the Hov bus towards Southsea. Get off at Hovertravel (stop D) and walk for six minutes to Southsea Common
London Pride
The iconic London Pride is among the UK’s most popular, celebrated annually by thousands of colourfully-clad revellers. The parade starts with floats, flags and balloons. It starts at Hyde Park Corner and ends at Whitehall Palace. Afterwards, it’s you can head to one of the many stage areas for more fun and celebration:
- Golden Square, Soho
- Trafalgar Square
- Women's Stage, Leicester Square
- Cabaret Stage, Dean Street, Soho
- Family Area, St Giles in the Fields
Each area has a stage and various stalls for food and drinks. Expect mesmerising theatre and dance showcases, plus art and film exhibitions.
When? Saturday 1 July
Price: Free
How to get there: London Waterloo station is at the heart of the Pride action, so take a train there for easy access
Salisbury Pride
Salisbury Pride is a free parade and festival bringing the city's LGBTQIA+ communities together. Hosted in Salisbury centre, it’s an exciting event showcasing much of the city’s best talent. Head to the main stage for eclectic drag and tribute acts, plus performances from talented singers and dancers. Plenty of food and drinks are available to keep you satisfied all day.
When? Saturday 24 June
Price: Free
How to get there: The Salisbury Pride celebrations are a short walk from Salisbury station
Bourne Free Pride
Bourne Free Pride, or Bournemouth Pride, celebrates equality and diversity in Bournemouth. The colourful occasion is set in Meyrick Park yearly, always promising fun and entertainment. Expect a fabulous parade, talented singers and dancers, and spectacular drag showcases.
When? Friday 7 to Saturday 8 July
Price: Free
How to get there: Meyrick Park is a 24-minute walk from Bournemouth station, or you can catch the m1 bus towards Poole. Get off at Bournemouth Square and walk 13 minutes to the park
UK Black Pride, London
UK Black Pride (UKBP) is the world’s largest LGBTQIA+ celebration for people with African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American and Caribbean heritage. It’s a space for cultures to be expressed freely, with entertainment throughout the day. Expect singers, DJs, motivational speakers, peaceful protests and more.
When? 20 August
Price: Free
How to get there: UKBP will be held at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park this year. Take the Jubilee line (eastbound) from London Waterloo to Stratford to join the event
New Forest Pride
This year, the New Forest Pride festival will take place in Lymington. It’s a day to soak up the colourful atmosphere and celebrate talent among local LGBTQIA+ communities. Enjoy on-stage entertainment from some favourite local drag divas, plus delicious food and drinks to fuel your day.
When? Saturday 19 August
Price: Free with a ticket
How to get there: Lymington Town station is just a stone’s throw from Lymington’s Pride celebrations
Southampton Pride
With a mission to promote equality and diversity, Southampton Pride promises a day of entertainment. The fun begins with a colourful march through the city centre (don’t forget your rainbow outfits and glitter!). Then you can shimmy over to the stage to catch some of Southampton’s best singers, dancers and performers.
When? Saturday 26 August
Price: Free
How to get there: Pride in Southampton takes place in the city centre, just a couple minutes’ walk from Southampton Central
Eastleigh Pride
Plenty happens at Eastleigh Pride. The day starts with a vibrant parade through the town centre – the perfect place to wave your rainbow flags. Afterwards, enjoy entertainment from drag queens and musicians, plus karaoke, where you can be the star! There’s also a bouncy castle for little ones and delicious food and drinks.
When? Saturday 9 September
Price: Free
How to get there: Eastleigh station is in the heart of the Pride action
Travel to pride with South Western Railway
Pride celebrations can get busy, so leave your car at home and let us do the driving. Discover cheap train tickets to your chosen pride event by going off-peak. Passengers with a Railcard could save even more. Those travelling in groups can benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard.
