Your Guide to London’s Pride Parade

We are excited to be officially partnering with Pride in London once again this year, providing a range of transport services on parade day and zipping about in our rainbow car (keep an eye out)! To help all our customers live their best pride, we’ve put together this handy guide to make sure you’re fully prepared for one of the biggest celebrations in London’s calendar.

What is the Pride Parade?

The annual pride parade in London is part political demonstration and part giant celebration of London’s LGBT+ community. The first official UK Gay Pride rally was held in July 1972, inspired by the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York. It became an annual fixture in London’s calendar, and by 2007 it had swollen to one of the largest and most prominent pride events in the world – and it’s still growing! It provides a platform for everyone from the diverse spectrum of London’s LGBT+ community to raise awareness on issues they still face, and to celebrate what has already been achieved.

When and where does it start?

This years pride will take place on Saturday July 7^th, and is due to start at 12pm. It begins at Portland Place and finishes up at Trafalgar Square, where a party is waiting!

Will I need tickets?

Nope! Tickets aren’t necessary as Pride is completely free, although donations are accepted.

Is Pride only for LGBT+ people?

Not at all – pride is an inclusive event and all are welcome, including families and those who want to support their LGBT friends, family and colleagues. Just be respectful of the community that you’re supporting and have fun!

Can I be in the parade?

Only pre-registered people and groups can join the parade when it begins at 1pm, but others are welcome to enter and join in behind the floats from 3pm. Alternatively you can watch the whole thing proceed from behind the barriers.

Where are the stages and who is performing?

The Trafalgar Square Stage

11.45am – 8pm

This is considered the main stage of pride and is located (surprisingly) in Trafalgar Square. This year the line-up includes Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Alyssa Edwards, Eurovision finalist SuRie and the winners of Pride’s Got Talent. During the day the stage will also welcome a number of speakers, including the Mayor of London.

The Women’s Stage

12.30pm – 7.30pm

Located in Leicester Square, Pride in London have partnered with DIVA magazine to bring acts such as Heather Pearce and Betty and Sinitta to the stage.

Cabaret Stage

12.30pm – 7.20pm

Don’t miss the raucous and colourful cabaret stage, located at the heart of Soho on Dean Street and featuring performances from the Pride’s Got Talent winners Busty & Ginger.

Family Stage

1pm – 6.45pm

Pride’s main hub for family fun and entertainment, the Family Stage includes karaoke, a bespoke family experience by Big Fish Little Fish, and a bedtime story with Pop‘n’Olly.

Are there other pride events are on over the weekend?

Tons! Morning Gloryville is the party to get you started, and are celebrating their 5^th birthday on the outdoor garden terrace of Studio 338 with a sober rave, massages, yoga and interactive performances. If you’d prefer to begin the day at a slightly slower pace, Everyone is Divine! is a photography project hosted by the iconic drag superstar Divine at the Horse Hospital, an arts space near Russell Square, and Rubber Up! Tales of Saucy Soho is a storytelling event in Soho Square from 9.45am – 11.15am. In the evening, you’re spoiled for choice of pride after-parties in venues across Soho and central London – but if you can’t choose, why should you! Addison Lee will be on hand to drive you from party to party, ensuring that you can live your best pride.