June 2024 marks another vibrant and inclusive Pride Month here in the UK. This time is dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community’s achievements, raising awareness about ongoing struggles, and promoting equality and acceptance.
This month-long celebration showcases the progress made over the years. It also serves as a reminder of the work still needed to ensure a society where everyone can live freely and authentically.
Pride Month in the UK features colourful parades, festivals, concerts, and community events. These activities are held in various cities and towns. They are not only a celebration but also an opportunity for education, advocacy, and community building. From the bustling streets of London to the historic avenues of Edinburgh and the scenic coasts of Exmouth, Pride Month events bring people together in a show of unity and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
London Pride
Date: 29 June 2024
Highlights: London Pride is the centrepiece of Pride Month in the UK. It features a grand parade that culminates at Trafalgar Square. The event boasts multiple performance stages, including Leicester Square and Soho Square. Attendees can enjoy a variety of acts and speeches. The celebration continues into the night with numerous after-parties. Some notable ones are the Lana Del Rave: Pride Closing Party and the Bootylicious Pride After Party in Vauxhall (Pride in London) (Time Out Worldwide).
Oxford Pride
Date: 8 June 2024
Highlights: Oxford Pride celebrates its 21st anniversary this year. The day begins with a parade starting from Radcliffe Square at 10:30 am. It features live performances on three stages at Oxford Castle Quarter, Leiden Square, and Paradise Gardens. The festivities will wrap up with an official after-party at Plush Lounge from 9 pm (Oxford Pride).
Edinburgh Pride
Date: 22 June 2024
Highlights: Edinburgh Pride is Scotland’s longest-running celebration of diversity. It includes a parade through the city centre to the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood. The event features various performances and community activities throughout the day (PinkNews).
Cardiff Pride (Pride Cymru)
Date: 22-23 June 2024
Highlights: Cardiff Pride spans two days. It includes a lively parade, live music, and entertainment across multiple stages. This event is known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. It is a highlight of Wales’ Pride celebrations (THE GAY UK).
Notable Pride events across the UK
- Brighton and Hove Pride: Although held in August, this is one of the UK’s largest and most celebrated Pride events. It features a parade, various parties, and the Fabuloso concert in Preston Park (PinkNews).
- Manchester Pride: Scheduled for late August, Manchester Pride is renowned for its extensive line-up of LGBTQ+ performers and global icons. The event includes a vibrant parade and multiple performances (PinkNews).
- UK Black Pride: This event will take place on 11 August 2024, at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. It celebrates the intersection of black and LGBTQ+ identities with performances, community stalls, and activities (PinkNews).
Additional Pride Events in June 2024
- Bodmin Pride (15 June 2024): This celebration includes local performances and community gatherings (THE GAY UK).
- Cambridge Pride (15 June 2024): Featuring a vibrant parade and festivities in one of the UK’s most historic cities (THE GAY UK).
- Enfield Pride (15 June 2024): Local events and community activities celebrate diversity and inclusion (THE GAY UK).
- Exmouth Pride (22 June 2024): A coastal celebration with a parade and beach activities (THE GAY UK).
- Fife Pride (29 June 2024): Parades and community events in the scenic region of Fife, Scotland (THE GAY UK).
Celebrating inclusivity and diversity
Pride Month in the UK goes beyond the parades and parties. It’s a time to reflect on the significant strides made in LGBTQ+ rights and to advocate for continued progress toward equality and acceptance. These events provide platforms for education, support, and advocacy, ensuring that the voices of the LGBTQ+ community are heard and valued.
Supporting Pride events
Many Pride events rely on the support of volunteers and donations. If you’re passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ community, consider volunteering at a local event or making a donation to help keep these celebrations free and accessible to all.
Takeaway
Pride Month 2024 in the UK promises to be an unforgettable celebration of love, diversity, and equality. With a packed calendar of events across the country, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month is an opportunity to come together, celebrate diversity, and continue the fight for a more inclusive society. So, don your rainbow flags and get ready to join the festivities!
Hosted by the Women Pivoting to Digital Taskforce in collaboration with Lloyds Banking Group, this event is for women based in Leeds who are considering a move into tech or digital roles and are interested in learning more about how to transition.
