
TURN UP THE VOLUME and FEEL THE LOVE
Bringing you the best beats, hottest hits, and all the anthems that make you want to dance, sing, and celebrate who you are.
Whether you're vibing to pop divas, grooving to classic throwbacks, or discovering fresh new sounds, PRIDE FM is your go-to station for non-stop, feel-good energy.
LOVE, MUSIC AND INCLUSIVITY...
are at our core, because here, everyone has a place, and every song tells a story.
Keep it loud, keep it proud, and keep it locked on PRIDE FM!
Upcoming Prides - click here for the full list
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Cottingham Pride - Thursday 30th July to Sunday 2nd AugustCottingham Pride Festival returns across four days from Thursday the 30th of July to Sunday the 2nd of August, with events spread across multiple venues throughout the village including Cottingham Market, the King William IV, Kristoffs, Zion Church and Cottingham Library. The centrepiece is Pride Day on Saturday the 1st of August, running from 12 noon until 6pm at the Cross Keys on Northgate — a colourful, community-led celebration under the motto "One Community, Love, Respect, Celebrate." With something going on across the whole weekend and the whole village getting involved, it's a fantastic example of local Pride done brilliantly. Everyone is welcome, entry is free and the theme is simple — love who you are. (Click on the Cottingham Pride logo for more info)
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Trans Pride Manchester - Saturday 1st AugustTrans Pride Manchester returns to the city on Saturday the 1st of August for another powerful and joyful day of visibility, community and protest. Founded in 2021 by a group of trans and non-binary people, this grassroots, trans-led event is proudly community-run and does not accept corporate sponsorship — any organisation wishing to march must pass a strict set of trans-specific criteria. The march moves through Manchester's iconic Gay Village, around Canal Street and Sackville Gardens, with speeches, live performances and stalls from trans-led groups, mutual aid networks and community charities. At its heart, Trans Pride Manchester believes that Pride is a protest as well as a celebration — championing trans healthcare, gender recognition and trans rights at a time when they matter more than ever. Trans Rights Are Human Rights. Everyone is welcome to come and stand in solidarity with the trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming community of Greater Manchester. (Click on the Trans Pride Manchester logo for more info).
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Causeway Pride - Saturday 1st AugustCauseway Pride returns to the beautiful seaside town of Portrush on the stunning Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland on Saturday the 1st of August. One of the most uniquely located Pride events in the UK and Ireland, this grassroots community celebration takes place against the spectacular backdrop of the North Antrim coastline, bringing together the LGBTQ+ community and allies from across the Causeway Coast and beyond for a day of visibility, joy and togetherness. Full details of the parade, festival programme and after party are still to be confirmed, so keep an eye on Causeway Pride's Instagram page at @causewaypride for all the latest announcements as they drop. Whether you're local, visiting this stunning corner of Northern Ireland, or making a whole weekend of it on the Causeway Coast — everyone is warmly welcome to come and be part of this brilliant community event! (Click on the Causeway Pride logo for more info)
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Brighton Pride - Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd AugustBrighton & Hove Pride returns across Saturday the 1st and Sunday the 2nd of August for the UK's biggest and boldest LGBTQIA+ festival. The weekend features the free Pride Community Parade through the city, the Pride Street Party, and the spectacular Pride on the Park — the official fundraising concert in Preston Park headlined this year by the incredible RAYE on Saturday and the iconic Diana Ross on Sunday. With a community village, family area, dog show and celebrations spilling across the entire city, Brighton Pride is truly a festival like no other, attracting visitors from across the globe. Described by the Guardian as the country's most popular LGBT event, it has raised over £1.5 million for local LGBTQIA+ community groups with a proud purpose at its heart. Pride on the Park tickets are available now — head to the Brighton Pride website for full details. (Click on the Brighton Pride logo for more info)
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Prestwich Pride - Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th AugustPrestwich Pride returns to the village of Prestwich in North Manchester for its fifth year, running from Thursday the 6th to Sunday the 9th of August with a four-day programme of queer culture, creativity and community connection across a brilliant range of local venues. The celebrations kick off on Thursday with Drag Me To The Quiz with Miss Blair at Hideout Bar, followed on Friday by Panama Hatty's Pride Supper Club. Saturday is the big one — start the day with Prestwich Run Club, then head to Pop'n'Olly at Icons, before the Cuckoo Takeover brings multi-floor DJs, performances and headliners, plus the Wallop Party running late into the night. Sunday winds down beautifully with Queer Life Drawing with Hop at Cuckoo. Built by local people, venues and businesses, and now in its fifth year, Prestwich Pride raises funds for local LGBTQ+ charities while celebrating everything that makes this community so special. Tickets and full listings at prestwichpride's social media channels. (Click on the Prestwich Pride logo for more info)
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Darlington Pride - Friday 7th to Monday 10th AugustDarlington Pride is back with a packed four-day celebration of love, inclusion and community! It all kicks off on Friday the 7th of August with Keith George — The Boy George Experience — at the Turks Head from 8:30pm. The main Darlington LGBTQIA+ Pride Festival takes place on Saturday the 8th in Market Square from 11am until 6pm, featuring live entertainment, tribute acts, theatrical performances, information stalls and BSL interpretation — all completely free. Saturday evening continues with after parties including a P!nk tribute at Darlington Market, a Pride After Party at the Majestic Theatre, and live music at The Hummingbird and O'Carrolls. On Sunday the 9th, head to the wonderful Hopetown Darlington for a relaxed Pride Picnic from noon until 3pm with acoustic music, crafts and face painting. Then Monday the 10th brings MonGay Pride to the town centre bars and pubs from 6pm with camp karaoke, drag shows and live music. What a weekend! (Click on the Darlington Pride logo for more info)
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Bromyard Pride - Saturday 8th AugustBromyard Pride returns to this charming Herefordshire market town on Saturday the 8th of August with a full day of celebrations for the whole community. The Pride Parade sets off from Bromyard Town Square at 11:30am, before the festivities spread across the town from midday. The Falcon Hotel hosts a Mini Market from 12 noon until 5pm, while board games, a make-up masterclass and a comedy workshop run from 12 noon until 4pm. The evening continues from 7pm with a Film Night at The Conquest, complete with a Rainbow Raffle. Organised by Bromyard Pride CIC, a not-for-profit community interest company, the event celebrates and promotes inclusion, visibility, education and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community in and around Bromyard. A wonderfully warm and welcoming event in a beautiful rural setting, it's a fantastic example of Pride thriving beyond the big cities. Tickets are available via the Bromyard Pride Facebook page. (Click on the Bromyard Pride logo for more info)
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Wigan Pride - Saturday 8th AugustWigan Pride returns to Wigan town centre on Saturday the 8th of August for another fantastic free celebration of equality, diversity and inclusion. Following a record-breaking 10th anniversary in 2025 which attracted over 54,000 people, this Wigan Council-backed event is shaping up to be even bigger. The day kicks off at 11am with the opening community parade — your chance to march with pride through the heart of Wigan and show the world what this borough is made of. The festival programme features music and live entertainment across at least two stages, a community performance area, family-friendly activities, and a dedicated quiet area run by partners Autism Friends. Previous years have seen headline acts including Danny Beard, Sonia, Baga Chipz, Kelly Llorenna and The Cheeky Girls. Full lineup and entertainment details will be announced soon — keep an eye on wiganpride.com for all the latest news. Entry is completely free and everyone is warmly welcome. (Click on the Wigan Pride logo for more info)
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Tonbridge Pride - Saturday 8th AugustTonbridge Pride returns to the stunning grounds of Tonbridge Castle for its fifth annual celebration on Saturday the 8th of August. The day begins with a Pride March gathering at 11:30am on the River Lawn opposite Tonbridge Medical Group, setting off at noon along Avebury Avenue to the castle, arriving at 12:30pm where the flag is raised and the party begins. The main stage runs from 1pm until 11pm with a brilliant mix of DJs, choirs, singers, bands, dance troupes and a fabulous drag show. Last year over 10,000 people attended, and 2026 promises to be even bigger. Spread across the beautiful castle grounds, there's also a huge range of stalls including food and drink, arts and crafts, glitter makeup, kids activities, LGBTQIA+ merchandise and charity information — something for absolutely everyone. Entry is completely free and everyone is warmly welcome to this joyful celebration of love, understanding and acceptance in Tonbridge. (Click on the Tonbridge Pride logo for more info)
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Stafford Pride - Saturday 8th AugustStafford Pride returns on Saturday the 8th of August for a spectacular day of love, diversity and equality in the heart of Staffordshire. The Pride Parade sets off through the streets of Stafford at 12 noon, showcasing the vibrant community and spreading love and acceptance throughout the town. Victoria Park also opens at noon and runs until 9:30 in the evening, giving you a full day and night of celebration. The festival features a Live Music Stage, food and drink stalls, local community groups, LGBTQ+ support organisations, funfair rides and a wide variety of entertainment suitable for all ages. Whether you're marching in the parade, dancing at the festival or simply soaking up the incredible community atmosphere, Stafford Pride has something for everyone. Tickets are available now at staffordpride.co.uk — get yours and come and be part of one of Staffordshire's most loved and celebrated annual events! (Click on the Stafford Pride logo for more info)
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Skipton Pride - Saturday 8th AugustSkipton Pride returns to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales on Saturday the 8th of August, this year moving to a brand new location at Coach Street Car Park in Skipton town centre. The free event gets underway at noon with Lost in Eve opening the stage, followed by drag host Miss Coco Delinquent alongside returning host James Cunningham keeping the energy going throughout the afternoon. Gary Barlow tribute act Pure Barlow also joins the bill before chart-topping dance duo Booty Luv — known for hits including Boogie 2Nite and Shine — headline the evening. As well as the stage entertainment there will be food and drink vendors and market stalls throughout the day. This is a completely free, family-friendly celebration of LGBTQ+ inclusion, diversity and community in one of North Yorkshire's most beloved towns. Everyone is warmly welcome — come along and enjoy a fantastic day out in Skipton! (Click on the Skipton Pride logo for more info)
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Wells Pride - Saturday 8th AugustWells Pride returns to England's smallest city on Saturday the 8th of August for another intimate and joyful celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community in the heart of Somerset. Organised by local community volunteers, Wells Pride offers a wonderfully welcoming alternative to larger Pride events — perfect for those who appreciate a more personal and community-focused atmosphere in one of England's most beautiful historic settings. Based around the stunning Bishop's Barn, the day features live performances from queer musicians, drag shows, community stalls from local LGBTQIA+ businesses and organisations, creative workshops and a Pride walk through the city. There are also acoustic sets and safe spaces at local venues, with an after-party continuing the celebrations into the evening. Full details of the 2026 programme will be announced soon — keep an eye on the Wells Pride 2026 Facebook page for all the latest updates! (Click on the Wells Pride logo for more info)
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Beverley Pride - Saturday 8th AugustBeverley Pride returns to the beautiful market town of Beverley in East Yorkshire on Saturday the 8th of August for what promises to be the biggest celebration yet! Founded in 2023 and run entirely by dedicated community volunteers, this wonderful free event relies on the generous support of sponsors, donations and grants to bring joy and inclusivity to the local LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. A family-friendly festival-style event at its heart, Beverley Pride brings together local talent, live entertainment, community stalls and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that has become a firm fixture in the East Yorkshire calendar. Supported by headline sponsor KCOM and a brilliant network of local businesses and partners, this is a day for everyone to celebrate love, equality and diversity together. Full details of the 2026 programme will be announced soon — keep an eye on beverleypride.uk for all the latest updates! (Click on the Beverley Pride logo for more info)
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Derby Trans Pride - Saturday 8th AugustDerby Trans Pride returns on Saturday the 8th of August for a powerful celebration of the trans, gender diverse and queer community in Derby. Running from 2pm until 8pm, this grassroots event is run by trans people for trans people — a space rooted in visibility, solidarity and community pride. Now an established fixture in the East Midlands LGBTQ+ calendar, Derby Trans Pride brings together performers, community stalls, speakers and supporters in a joyful and defiant celebration of trans lives. The full programme including parade details, performers and venue information will be announced soon — keep an eye on the Derby Trans Pride Facebook group for all the latest updates. Whether you're trans, non-binary, gender diverse or a proud ally, everyone is warmly welcome to come and show their support for the trans community in Derby! (Click on the Derby Trans Pride logo for more info)
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Ely Pride - Saturday 8th AugustEly Pride returns to Amherst Field, right beside Ely Railway Station, on Saturday the 8th of August for a full day of free family-friendly celebration from 10am until 10pm. Set in the shadow of the beautiful Ely Cathedral in the heart of Cambridgeshire, this wonderful grassroots event brings together the local LGBTQ+ community and supporters from across the region for a packed day of live entertainment across two stages, a craft market, street food, charity and information stalls, a fun zone with bouncy castles, face painting and emergency service vehicles, and much more. Entry is completely free, and to help keep it that way Ely Pride operates its own Pride Bar on site — so please support the event by buying your drinks there on the day. Parking is available at the field for just £3. The event is easily accessible by train directly to Ely Station. Check out prideinely.co.uk and follow Ely Pride on Facebook for the latest lineup announcements. (Click on the Ely Pride logo for more info)
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Margate Pride - Saturday 8th AugustMargate Pride celebrates its tenth anniversary on Saturday the 8th of August with a spectacular free, community-led and corporate-free day of LGBTQIA+ joy, protest and creativity across the town. The day begins at 10am at Walpole Bay Lawns with a family-friendly morning featuring Storytime with Lennie, a Family Rave and Silly Olympics, community choirs, stalls and rally speakers. At 1pm, the Pride March sets off along the seafront, arriving at Dreamland around 2pm where the Scenic Stage party kicks off until 8pm — completely free and open to all — featuring DJs, live music, the iconic Mx Margate pageant and more rally speakers. The wider Margate Pride Festival runs from Friday the 31st of July throughout August, with exhibitions, film screenings, performances and workshops at venues across the town including the annual Margate Pride Art Map. Everything is free to attend — register at margatepride.org.uk. (Click on the Margate Pride logo for more info)
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Doncaster Pride - Saturday 8th AugustSouth Yorkshire's biggest Pride is back! Doncaster Pride returns to Town Fields on Saturday the 8th of August for what promises to be the biggest and best event since the charity was founded back in 2007. Gates open at 11am, with the Community Stage running from noon until 7pm and the Main Stage from 12:30pm until 9:30pm. Headlining the Main Stage are Queens of the West End, a spectacular girl group featuring performers from the original cast and touring productions of the award-winning global phenomenon SIX The Musical. There's also a Trans+ and Non-Binary Zone, a Youth Pride area, a dedicated Family Zone, market stalls, a food and drinks offering and an Info Marquee showcasing LGBTQA+ organisations from across Doncaster. The Parade of Unity also takes place during the day. Tickets are on sale now at doncasterpride.co.uk — and every single penny raised goes directly back into making Pride bigger and better than ever! (Click on the Doncaster Pride logo for more info)
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Lichfield Pride - Sunday 9th AugustLichfield Pride takes over the city across the weekend of Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th of August, with a full programme of live entertainment, street food and community activities at venues throughout this beautiful cathedral city. The weekend is a safe and inclusive celebration for everyone, packed with fun, colour and community spirit under the motto "Because Love is Love." On the Sunday, the Pride march sets off from Speakers' Corner at 11:45am, winding through the city streets with music, energy and a sea of rainbow colour before the festivities continue at venues across town. With entertainment suitable for all ages, a warm and welcoming atmosphere and something going on throughout both days, Lichfield Pride has established itself as a highlight of the Midlands Pride calendar. Entry is free and everyone is welcome to come along and celebrate. (Click on the Lichfield Pride logo for more info)
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Levenshulme Pride - Friday 14th to Sunday 16th AugustLevenshulme Pride returns to the vibrant south Manchester neighbourhood of Levenshulme from Friday the 14th to Sunday the 16th of August for another packed weekend of completely free events and activities. Running under its motto No Barriers, this brilliant community Pride spreads across multiple local venues and has something for absolutely everyone. Highlights include an Opening Concert from Levy Choir, the Levenshulme Pride March with placard-making and choirs, a famous Cabaret Night, DJs across multiple venues, live music, quiz nights, film screenings with Q&A, the Pride Run, RuPanda's Drag Race, drag artistes, a Bike Ride, Line Dancing, Drumming, Karaoke, the Artbeats art show and market, poetry and spoken word, fitness sessions, a Dog Show and a Vigil. Phew! Everything is free to attend thanks to sponsors, advertisers and the incredible community. Check out the full programme at levenshulmepride.org.uk. (Click on the Levenshulme Pride logo for more info)
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Colchester Pride - Saturday 15th AugustColchester Pride returns on Saturday the 15th of August, taking over Firstsite — Colchester's premier arts venue at Lewis Gardens — from 11am until 7pm for a fantastic mix of indoor and outdoor activities. The Main Stage will feature a brilliant lineup of local and national acts, while the Market Area offers a wonderful variety of food, drink, information stalls and sellers with something for everyone. Colchester Pride has also been nominated for the King's Award for Voluntary Service — the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary organisations — which shows just what a special event this is. Tickets start from just £10, with under 13s completely free, under 16s at £5, and a hardship ticket scheme ensuring no one in the LGBTQ+ community is excluded due to financial pressures. Accessibility is fully catered for with BSL interpretation, step-free access, a quiet space and more. Book your tickets now at colchesterpride.org. (Click on the Colchester Pride logo for more info)
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Kings Lynn & West Norfolk Pride - Saturday 15th AugustKing's Lynn and West Norfolk Pride returns to The Walks in King's Lynn on Saturday the 15th of August for a fabulous free Party in the Park! The day begins with the Pride Parade assembling in the town centre from 11am, setting off at noon through the streets before arriving at The Walks where the party is already underway from 11:30am with vendors, charity stalls and food. Live stage entertainment kicks off at 2pm, hosted by compere DJ Jules-E, with an incredible lineup including Big Taystee, P!NK-!SH the Pink tribute act, drag performer Miss Terry Tour, Melissa Totten as Madonna and closing the show in style — Wilma Finga Do! Bring your flags, your banners and your most fabulous outfits to show King's Lynn that the community is here and prouder than ever. Entry is completely free. Head to klwnpride.org for more information. (Click on the King's Lynn & West Norfolk Pride logo for more info)
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Merthyr Pride - Saturday 15th AugustMerthyr Pride returns to Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday the 15th of August for another fantastic free celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in the Welsh Valleys. Based at College Merthyr Tydfil, this brilliant grassroots community event has grown year on year into one of South Wales' most cherished Pride celebrations, bringing together the local LGBTQ+ community and allies for a joyful day of visibility, solidarity and fun. Merthyr Pride is organised entirely by dedicated volunteers and is completely free to attend — a real testament to the passion and commitment of the community behind it. Full details of the 2026 programme, parade and lineup are still to be confirmed, so keep an eye on Merthyr Pride's Facebook page for all the latest announcements as they're released. Everyone is warmly welcome — come and celebrate with the community in the heart of the Welsh Valleys on what promises to be a wonderful summer's day! (Click on the Merthyr Pride logo for more info)
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Croydon Pride - Saturday 15th AugustCroydon Pride is back on Saturday the 15th of August with a brand new home — this year's event moves to BOXPARK Croydon for a spectacular day and evening of celebration. Community stalls open at Braithwaite Halls from 10am and at BOXPARK from 11am, with the colourful Pride Parade setting off at 11:30am and arriving at noon. The Main Stage kicks off at 1pm with fabulous performances from Absolute Britney, Cheryl Fergison, Emma Lindars, Leon DC, Luna, Tiana Biscuit, Sophia Stardust and many more. Community stalls run until 4 or 5pm, with the Trustees' Address at 5:30pm. Then from 7pm BOXPARK turns 18-plus for an evening of music, dancing and celebration continuing until 11:30pm. Free tickets are available at croydonpride.org.uk — book yours now and come and be part of this brilliant South London community celebration! (Click on the Croydon Pride logo for more info)
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Caldicot Pride - Saturday 15th AugustCaldicot Pride returns on Saturday the 15th of August for an exciting new chapter — this year moving to the spectacular grounds of Caldicot Castle in Monmouthshire for its biggest celebration yet! The stunning medieval castle site provides more space for activities, stalls and entertainment, making 2026 a truly landmark year for this community-led Welsh Pride event. Organised by passionate local volunteers and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community of Caldicot and the surrounding area, the day promises live performances, community stalls, family-friendly fun and a fantastic party atmosphere set against the beautiful backdrop of one of Wales' finest historic landmarks. Full details of the programme, parade and festival timings will be announced soon — keep an eye on the Caldicot Pride Facebook page and caldicotpride.co.uk for all the latest updates. Everyone is warmly welcome to come and celebrate with the community at this brilliant grassroots South Wales Pride! (Click on the Caldicot Pride logo for more info)
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Swindon & Wiltshire Pride - Saturday 15th AugustSwindon & Wiltshire Pride celebrates its seventeenth anniversary on Saturday the 15th of August, returning to GWR Park in Swindon from 11am until 8pm. The day begins with a Pride March assembling at 11am outside Nationwide on Regent Street, setting off at 11:30am and winding through the town via the Town Hall before arriving at GWR Park at noon, when the main stage entertainment begins. The park opens at 11am with a quieter hour from 11 until noon, perfect for those who prefer to explore with less noise. Throughout the afternoon expect live music and acts on the main stage, a wide range of local traders, food and drink vendors and a fully licensed bar. There's also an 18-plus after party to round off the celebrations. Tickets for both the march and the main event are available at swindonwiltshirepride.org.uk. GWR Park is around fifteen minutes' walk from Swindon train station. (Click on the Swindon & Wiltshire Pride logo for more info)
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Chester Pride - Saturday 15th AugustChester Pride returns to Castle Square in the heart of Chester on Saturday the 15th of August, running from noon until 8 in the evening. Presented by M&S Bank, this is one of the region's biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations, with an incredible main stage lineup including Danny Beard, 911, Adam Rickitt, Sonia, Kelly Llorena, Lolly, LIPZTIK and DJ Dan Walker. The Icons Stage is packed with drag and cabaret talent including Mama Tasty, Pam Sandwich, Dave the Bear, Coco Fabulicious and many more. There's also a Pride Parade through Chester's iconic streets, market and food stalls, health and community zones, BSL interpretation, a viewing platform and noise cancelling headphones available. Tickets start from just £10, with free hardship tickets available for those on Universal Credit, and concessions for students and over 60s. Get yours now at chesterpride.co.uk — this one is not to be missed! (Click on the Chester Pride logo for more info)
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Lincoln Pride - Saturday 15th AugustLincoln Pride returns to Orchard Street in the heart of Lincoln on Saturday the 15th of August for another spectacular celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. Having grown from humble beginnings since 2012 into one of the city's most vibrant annual events, this year's festival is shaping up to be bigger than ever. A Quiet Hour runs from noon until 1pm, before the Main Stage comes alive from 1pm through to 7pm with a six-hour lineup packed with incredible performances from local and worldwide artists. New for 2026 is a brand new Dance Terrace and an improved family area, alongside a wide variety of stalls from local and national businesses, delicious food vendors, and a full Pride bar. VIP, Rainbow Circle and Fast Track upgrades are available, with free general entry for all. The event also has an official afterparty at The Scene. Head to lincolnpride.co.uk for tickets and more information. (Click on the Lincoln Pride logo for more info)
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Oban Pride - Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd AugustOban Pride returns to the beautiful coastal town of Oban on the west coast of Scotland from Friday the 21st to Sunday the 23rd of August for another wonderful weekend of LGBTQ+ celebration. The main Pride Day is Saturday the 22nd, beginning with speeches at Station Square from noon, followed by the Pride March setting off at 12:30pm through the town. The march arrives at the Corran Halls where community stalls open from 1pm to 3pm, featuring local crafters, LGBTQ+ charities and support organisations. A quiet period at the stalls runs from noon to 12:45pm for those who prefer a calmer experience. Founded in 2019 and run entirely by volunteers, Oban Pride is a registered Scottish charity dedicated to promoting equality and providing safe, welcoming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community across Argyll and beyond. Full details of all three days' events will be announced soon at obanpride.com. (Click on the Oban Pride logo for more info)
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Warwickshire Pride - Saturday 22nd AugustWarwickshire Pride returns to the beautiful Pump Room Gardens in Leamington Spa on Saturday the 22nd of August, running from 11am until 6pm. Rooted in protest and rich in celebration, this completely free festival is a colourful showcase of LGBT+ life and culture. The Pride March assembles on Beauchamp Road at 11am before making its way to the Pump Room Gardens, where the fun really begins. Expect live performances and entertainment on stage throughout the day, a rainbow marketplace of stalls, food and drink from around the world, fairground rides, a licensed bar, a dedicated family area, a dog show and much more. Warwickshire Pride is fully accessible, welcomes well-behaved dogs on leads, and is open to absolutely everyone — whether you're LGBT+ or a proud ally. Parking is available at St Peter's multi-storey car park on Augusta Place, just a one minute walk away. Head to warwickshirepride.co.uk for more information. (Click on the Warwickshire Pride logo for more info)
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Medway Pride - Saturday 22nd AugustMedway Pride returns to the stunning Rochester Castle for its sixth anniversary on Saturday the 22nd of August. The Pride Parade sets off along Rochester High Street at 10:30am, winding through the town via Boley Hill and Castle Hill before arriving at the breathtaking Rochester Castle Gardens, where an eight-hour festival gets underway at noon with local, national and international acts performing on the main stage. The festival also features a large marketplace with food, drink, community stalls, LGBTQIA+ support organisations and health and wellbeing providers. Watching the parade is free, while festival tickets are £10 for adults, £7.50 for children aged 5 to 17 and free for under 5s — available at eventbrite.co.uk. The Medway Pride Fringe Festival also runs across various venues in Chatham and Rochester from the 17th to the 22nd of August. Head to medwaypride.co.uk for full details. (Click on the Medway Pride logo for more info)
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Crawley Pride - Saturday 22nd AugustCrawley Pride returns to the beautiful Goff's Park in Crawley on Saturday the 22nd of August for another spectacular day of joy, celebration and community. The Pride Parade assembles at the Memorial Gardens from 10:30am, setting off at 11am through the town and arriving at the festival site at noon. The festival site itself opens at 11am with the first half of the day showcasing brilliant local community talent. Then at 4:30pm the stage really heats up with the confirmed headline acts — the incredible La Voix, pop star Gareth Gates and RuPaul's Drag Race UK fan favourite Veronica Green. What a lineup! Tickets are required and available now at sussexlgbt.com — head there now to secure yours and check out the full programme. This is one of West Sussex's most beloved Pride celebrations and promises to be an absolutely unforgettable afternoon and evening. (Click on the Crawley Pride logo for more info)
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Basingstoke Pride - Saturday 22nd AugustBasingstoke Pride returns to the Festival Place Amphitheatre on Saturday the 22nd of August, running from 11am until 4pm for a vibrant celebration of love, diversity and inclusivity in the heart of Hampshire. Now in its third year, this community-led event has grown bigger and better with every outing and 2026 is no exception. The confirmed performers include drag sensation Paige Three, singer Jack Trinder, the ultimate Chappell Roan tribute act Chappell Rae, Just Bailey, Grace Anatomy and the duo Adam & Apple, with the full stage schedule to be announced soon. There are also community stalls, a fabulous marketplace celebrating LGBTQ+ organisations and businesses, and an official Pride After Party at Tea Bar for those who want to keep the celebrations going into the evening. Tickets are available now via Eventbrite — head to basingstokepride.co.uk for all the latest details. (Click on the Basingstoke Pride logo for more info)
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Herts Pride - Saturday 22nd AugustHerts Pride — Hertfordshire's biggest LGBTQIA+ celebration — returns to the stunning Cassiobury Park in Watford on Saturday the 22nd of August. Run entirely by passionate volunteers, this vibrant and inclusive event brings the whole community together under the theme Pride and Thrive, celebrating diversity, love and equality across Hertfordshire. Expect live entertainment, community stalls, food and drink vendors, a beloved dog show, and a fantastic welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Advance tickets are available now at wegottickets.com — adults £12, young persons £10 and family tickets £30, with advance sales closing on Friday the 21st of August. Tickets will also be available on the door. Headline sponsor is CeX, with support from Hilton Watford, WHSmith, GSK, Watford FC and many more. The event is 100% inclusive and everyone is warmly welcome — LGBTQIA+ or not. Head to hertspride.org for more information. (Click on the Herts Pride logo for more info)
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Manchester Village Pride - Friday 28th to Monday 31st AugustManchester Village Pride is back — and this time it's truly community owned. Born out of the uncertainty of 2025, this brand new Community Interest Company, run entirely by unpaid volunteers, is bringing Pride back to the heart of the Gay Village where it all began. Four days, three stages, one Village. Friday the 28th launches the weekend, Saturday sees the Pride Parade march through the city centre with community groups marching free of charge, Sunday brings queer arts, culture and live performances, and Monday the 31st is a completely free Community and Family Day featuring Drag Story Time, face painting and youth workshops, closing with the George House Trust Vigil at the Beacon of Hope. Weekend wristbands are £40, day tickets £25, with low income tickets available at £5 a day, and Monday is free for all. Every artist is fairly paid. All surplus is legally locked back into grassroots queer activism. Tickets at skiddle.com. (Click on the Manchester Village Pride logo for more info)
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Stirling Pride - Saturday 29th AugustStirling Pride returns to the heart of Stirling on Saturday the 29th of August for a completely free day of celebration. The Pride March gathers at Kings Park from 11am, setting off at 11:30am through the city centre before arriving on King Street, where the main stage bursts into life at 12:15pm. Headliners include the legendary Divina De Campo, Pop Idol star Michelle McManus and Belfast drag superstar Blu Hydrangea, hosted by Nicola Meighan and Cherry West. Running from noon until 5pm, the Stirling Pride Market fills the Albert Halls with around 60 stalls, while a free Pride Ceilidh takes place at the Golden Lion Hotel from 12:30pm. There's also a Youth Space at Creative Stirling for 13 to 25 year olds, a Quiet Space at Holy Trinity Church Hall, and an 18-plus after party at Made In Stirling from 7pm. As night falls, the National Wallace Monument is bathed in rainbow light — a breathtaking end to a brilliant day. (Click on the Stirling Pride logo for more info)
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Gravesham Pride - Saturday 29th AugustGravesham Pride returns to Gravesend in Kent on Saturday the 29th of August for its fourth annual in-person Pride March and celebration. Organised entirely by dedicated volunteers, this vibrant and free community event has grown year on year since its first in-person event in 2021, when Gravesham Pride made history as one of the first Pride organisations in the world to hold an online pride during the pandemic. The day features a colourful Pride March through Gravesend town centre, followed by a spectacular celebration with live music, drag performances, community stalls, food and refreshments. Previous years have featured incredible acts including Divina De Campo, Leanne Jones and Mama G. Gravesham Pride will always be free to attend and is rooted in protest and celebration in equal measure. Keep an eye on graveshampride.uk and their social media pages for 2026 lineup and ticket announcements coming soon! (Click on the Gravesham Pride logo for more info)
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Milport Pride - Saturday 12th SeptemberMillport makes history on Saturday the 12th of September as the Isle of Cumbrae hosts its very first Pride celebration, welcoming the LGBTQ+ community, allies, friends and families from across Scotland and beyond. The day features a colourful Pride March through the streets of Millport — a walking parade where everyone is encouraged to bring flags, banners, costumes and colourful accessories to make it a truly vibrant occasion. Participation is free but groups must register in advance at millportpride.wixsite.com/millport-pride. Community stalls and information stands will be hosted at Garrison House, and a dedicated Safe Space at the Cumbrae Youth Hub offers family-friendly activities for children and young people aged up to 25. Live entertainment will be taking place at various pubs and venues across the island throughout the day. March timings and the full route will be confirmed closer to the event — so save the date and be part of history! (Click on the Millport Pride logo for more info)
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Pembrokeshire Pride - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th SeptemberPembrokeshire Pride returns for a two-day celebration on Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th of September at the beautiful Dewslake Farm in Pembrokeshire. Set against the stunning backdrop of one of Wales' most scenic counties, this is a wonderful space for the whole community to come together, be themselves and celebrate who they are in a warm, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Whether you're joining Pembrokeshire Pride for the first time or coming back for another year, everyone is welcome — LGBTQIA+ community members, allies, families and friends alike. And if you want to make a full weekend of it, camping is available on-site at Dewslake Farm, making it the perfect Pride getaway! Full programme details including performers and activities will be announced closer to the date — keep an eye on Pembrokeshire Pride's social media for updates. (Click on the Pembrokeshire Pride logo for more info)
Our mission here at Pride FM is to support local Pride events right across the UK, working with them, and others, to further help to entertain, educate, inform, celebrate and raise awareness for LGBTQI+ issues, encourage inclusion and tolerance, and empower queer voices.
PRIDE FM NEWS
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Berlin Pride HorrorOne person’s died and at least 16 have been injured after a vehicle was driven into a crowd at Berlin Pride in Tiergarten park. The incident happened on Saturday and forced organisers to curtail the annual event known as the Christopher Street Parade, commemorating New York’s Stonewall riots. The suspect - who was known to the German authorities - was shot and killed by police on Sunday after an intensive manhunt. They say officers shot him after he rushed at them with a knife-like weapon. He was a 21-year-old German citizen of Lebanese heritage. The mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner, called the incident an attack on Germany’s free and fair minded society.
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Barnsley homophobia fight-backBarnsley Community Alliance, the social media network that supports the town’s Pride and other events, says it’s taking robust action against online homophobic abuse. It says it’s already banned nearly 40 users for what it describes as ‘disgusting and homophobic comments’ and is now looking to see which ones should be referred to South Yorkshire Police.
Barnsley Pride took place on Saturday, July the 25th in the town’s Mandela Gardens and Barnsley Community Alliance is the latest organisation to pledge a fight back against increasing online homophobia. -
Queer Up North CelebratedThe pioneering Queer Up North arts festival, which ran in Manchester for twenty years, is being celebrated again this year. It originally ran in the city’s venues, clubs and streets from 1990 to 2010, showcasing LGBTQ+ history and culture. Now, thanks to support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Manchester Histories and the Granada Foundation, Queer Up North will be brought to a new generation from August and will run until the end of October. The event - running across several venues - will feature live performances, panel discussions, exhibitions and archive material.
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Durham Pride organisers hit out at homophobic abuseThe organisers of Durham Pride have hit out at continuing homophobic abuse on its Facebook page. The event took place in May after trades unions and the public stepped in to plug the fundraising gap left by Reform-led Durham council withdrawing its annual grant and other support. But the organisation says vile abuse on social media is continuing. Defending its decision to block abusers, Durham Pride says its Facebook page isn’t a free-for-all for haters and it wants to be positive and uplifting, particularly as a lot of young LGBT+ people in Durham are finding their way.
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This year's Bingley Pride is cancelledThis year’s Bingley Pride in West Yorkshire - due to take place on Saturday, September the 12th - has been cancelled. The organisers say this is because of unforeseen difficulties, but they’ve promised to return in July next year after planning several months of fund-raising. Last year’s Pride was the first one held in the town.
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Poland President vetoes support for same sex couplesPoland's President Karol Nawrocki has vetoed a bill that would have given unmarried couples, including same-sex couples, a limited set of legal rights — blocking what would have been the country's first ever legal recognition of same-sex relationships. The bill, which had been backed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk's coalition and passed by both houses of parliament, fell short of introducing full civil partnerships but would have granted couples rights including joint property ownership and access to medical information. Nawrocki argued it would create civil partnerships through the back door. Despite the veto, polling shows sixty-two percent of Poles now support legal recognition for same-sex couples.
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FIFA urged not to introduce blanket banFIFA's own anti-discrimination partner has urged the governing body not to follow the International Olympic Committee's lead and introduce a blanket ban on transgender athletes for the 2031 Women's World Cup. The head of the Fare network, Piara Powar, warned that such a ban would stigmatise trans athletes and women with intersex characteristics, and called on FIFA not to embed any exclusion permanently into its regulations. The warning comes after the White House reportedly pressed FIFA to guarantee that only biological women compete in the Women's World Cup.
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Jokes about gay people becoming more acceptableA new YouGov study has found that the proportion of British people who think it is acceptable to make jokes about gay people has risen to its highest level since records began in 2019, with thirty percent now saying gay jokes are acceptable regardless of whether or not you identify as gay yourself. The number saying such jokes are unacceptable has fallen to its lowest recorded level. The findings add to a broader picture of rising homophobia in the UK, with schools also reporting a sharp increase in suspensions for homophobic and transphobic abuse.
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Experiences of Queer Ukranians featured in new photobookA new photobook documenting the experience of queer Ukrainians during the war with Russia has been published, featuring portraits and profiles gathered by American journalist J Lester Feder. The Queer Face of War, which was displayed in the official programme of this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, explores how Ukraine's LGBTQ+ community has not only faced specific dangers under Russian occupation but has actively embraced civic participation and military service as part of the country's democratic resistance. Feder warns that Russia's anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda laws — dramatically tightened since 2022 — have transformed what was once a tool of harassment into a genuine threat of persecution for queer people living there.
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Queer comedian's Edinburgh show based on homophobic assaultQueer comedian Linus Karp is bringing a new show to the Edinburgh Fringe this August based on his own experience of being attacked in a homophobic assault in London's Soho in 2024. The show, called Linus Karp Was Hit With an Umbrella, recounts how his husband tackled the attacker and held him until police arrived, as well as the investigation and emotional aftermath that followed. Karp says that while the show deals with serious themes, it still has plenty of room for ridiculous comedy — and that queer visibility in public spaces remains more important than ever.
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Pride comment on GB News received non thousand complainsGB News has received more than nine thousand Ofcom complaints following comments made by a guest on the show Alex Armstrong Tonight, in which Catholic journalist Caroline Farrow falsely linked Pride events with paedophilia. Host Alex Armstrong, who is openly gay, later used his programme to say he fundamentally rejects the claim, describing it as an age-old homophobic trope used to demonise queer people. GB News said the comments were the guest's own views and did not reflect the channel's editorial position. Two other GB News programmes have also received significant numbers of Ofcom complaints in recent weeks over anti-LGBTQ+ comments made by guests.
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World Pride comes to Amsterdam next monthWorldPride is coming to Amsterdam this summer, with an impressive line-up of performers already confirmed. Billy Porter, Beth Ditto and Olly Alexander are among those set to take to the stage as the Dutch capital hosts the world's biggest LGBTQ+ celebration. The event runs across several days in August, combining a canal parade, outdoor concerts and community events across the city.
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Escalating threat to queer people in IndonesiaLGBTQ+ people in Indonesia are facing an escalating threat following a presidential regulation that classified queer culture as a national security threat alongside terrorism and drug abuse. Human Rights Watch says harassment and physical attacks on LGBTQ+ university students surged during Pride Month, with at least ten public universities adopting discriminatory regulations. An LGBTQ+ advocacy group reported that at least fifteen trans women were attacked by an anti-LGBTQ+ group in the city of Bogor — beaten, chased and subjected to degrading abuse. Human Rights Watch said Indonesian authorities are looking the other way during the upsurge of violence.
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Pride Month library displays in Essex criticisedThe leader of Essex County Council has said some books featured in Pride Month library displays could be upsetting for parents. Peter Harris, whose Reform UK administration took control of the authority in May, told the BBC the council's libraries should represent all residents rather than things that might be deemed ideological. When asked which specific books or displays he found inappropriate, he was unable to identify any. Several Essex libraries continued to put up Pride displays despite earlier guidance telling staff not to promote themed events. A protest is planned outside County Hall ahead of a full council meeting at which thousands of residents' signatures will be presented.
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Weekend of events for Goal Diggers FC in East LondonEast London queer football club Goal Diggers FC is hosting a weekend of events to coincide with London Trans+ Pride later this month. Running from the twenty-fourth to the twenty-sixth of July, the programme includes a club night at Hackney Bridge, a march with the football bloc at Trans+ Pride, and a community football tournament in Islington open to women and non-binary players. All events will operate under a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination of any kind.
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LGBTQ+ representation in movies falls againLGBTQ+ representation in mainstream Hollywood films has fallen for the third year in a row, according to the latest annual report from the media watchdog GLAAD. Of the 225 films tracked from the industry's ten largest distributors, fewer than one in five featured any LGBTQ+ characters — down more than eight percent from a 2023 high. Most strikingly, the report found zero transgender characters across all 225 films, and not a single LGBTQ+ character in any animated or family film. GLAAD's chief executive said studios risk losing a generation of younger viewers who will simply go elsewhere to find entertainment that includes their community.
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Co-owners of Stonewall Inn slam JK RowlingThe co-owners of New York's Stonewall Inn have accused JK Rowling of damaging LGBTQ+ people worldwide through her platform. Stacy Lentz and Kurt Kelly, who brought a replica of the historic bar to London Pride last weekend, said Rowling's influence extends far beyond the UK and that they now have to go back and educate people as a result. They also warned of a growing threat to gay marriage and same-sex adoption rights, saying the community cannot afford to take hard-won protections for granted.
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Unexpected change of cast for Oh Mary!There's been an unexpected change of cast in the West End production of Oh, Mary!. Catherine Tate has left the show for personal reasons, with non-binary actor Mason Alexander Park stepping back in to play Mary Todd Lincoln until the eighteenth of July. Creator and Tony Award winner Cole Escola will then take over the role from the twentieth of July until the production closes in August.
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The Belonging Forum reveals study on disabled LGBTQ+ peopleTo mark Disability Pride Month, a new study by the Belonging Forum has found that nearly half of disabled LGBTQ+ people in the UK experience frequent loneliness — significantly higher than among disabled people overall. The research, which surveyed more than ten thousand adults, also found that four in ten disabled LGBTQ+ people do not feel they belong in their communities. The Belonging Forum's founder Kim Samuel called for workplaces, communities and public institutions to put belonging at the heart of everything they design.
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Russell T. Davies writing his next projectRussell T Davies has warned that LGBTQ+ people are facing new threats, speaking at the Attitude Pride Awards. The writer of Queer as Folk, It's a Sin and Tip Toe said the direction of gay, queer and especially trans rights had shaped his latest work, and argued its themes were far from niche. He also revealed he is already writing his next project, saying there is always a lot to say and that if he can write this stuff forever, then he will.
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Teacher banned for discriminatory remarksA teacher has been banned from the profession after making discriminatory remarks to a Year 11 class, including stating that gay and transgender people are mentally ill. William Garwood, 60, was teaching at a Catholic school in West Yorkshire when the comments were made in 2023. The Teaching Regulation Agency found the remarks were clearly inappropriate and significantly outside the bounds of acceptable teaching practice, and said they were especially problematic given their potential impact on school-aged children. Garwood cannot apply to have the banning order lifted until 2032.
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Russia censors SpongeBob SquarepantsRussia has censored a rainbow from an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants under its laws banning so-called LGBTQ+ propaganda. In the famous scene — which has been a viral meme for years — SpongeBob uses his hands to paint a rainbow over his head while talking about the power of imagination. In the Russian version, the rainbow has been replaced with a plain yellow arc. The change is thought to be connected to President Putin's propaganda laws, which were first introduced in 2013 and expanded in 2022 to ban any content deemed to promote homosexuality across all ages. There has long been speculation about SpongeBob's sexuality, which may have further fuelled the decision to censor the moment.
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Calderdale council removes rainbow bannersHalifax-based Calderdale council is removing dozens of rainbow banners put up in the area through an £8,500 crowdfunding initiative.The Reform-led council says it’s removing the banners because they were placed on council property without approval. But the Labour Party in Calderdale says the banners were put up by a commercial company that has a contract with the council, and claims the move is politically motivated.
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Now Egypt!Egypt has followed Turkey in turning away an LGBTQ+ cruise ship. The Scarlet Lady, with 2,000 passengers on board, was first turned away from Turkey with authorities there saying the cruise had been chartered by groups known for behaviour that doesn’t align with the country’s society and moral values. Now the Egyptian government has followed l suit, without giving a reason for its decision. Cruise organisers are now looking for alternative ports. The Scarlet Lady is part-way through a 10-day Athens to Venice trip around the Mediterranean.
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More outside seating in Manchester's gay villageA summer-long experiment to provide more seating outside venues in Manchester’s Gay Village is now underway. The city council says it wants to help businesses away from the main Canal Street thoroughfare and has given the go-ahead for outside seating at bars in Bloom Street and Richmond Street. Venues such as The Lodge, The Goose and New York, New York have already set up chairs and tables outdoors - perfectly timed to take advantage of the present heatwave! The council’s monitoring the move, which, it’s hoped,will become a permanent feature.
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More Pride events for the summer here in the UKTwo more Pride events are joining the calendar this summer. In Devon, Okehampton Pride returns to Simmons Park on the eighteenth of July for its second year, with music, drag acts, thirty market stalls, sports activities, a dog show and a conga line around the park. Co-founder Daniel Burgess says visibility is key — describing Okehampton as an LGBTQ+ black spot and stressing how important it is for people to know they can be themselves. Meanwhile, the Isle of Cumbrae in Scotland is set to host its very first Pride festival on the twelfth of September, with organisers planning a seafront parade and community stalls in Millport. The event was inspired by neighbouring Arran Pride and aims to lay strong foundations for years to come.
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Dannii Minogue pays emotional tribute to BBC Three's I Kissed a GirlDannii Minogue has paid an emotional tribute to BBC Three's I Kissed a Girl as its final season comes to a close. The broadcaster has cancelled the groundbreaking queer dating show — Britain's first gay reality dating series — citing funding challenges. Minogue said she was riding waves of emotion, adding that queer joy being seen on screen is a defiant act. She admitted the team had hoped the show would open a doorway for more LGBTQ+ representation in the reality space — but says that hasn't happened in the way they expected.
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Olympic swimming champion reveals double-lifeOlympic swimming champion Mark Foster has revealed he lived a double life for years, hiding the fact that he is gay. In a new autobiography, Foster describes the pressure he felt to conform during his competitive career and the exhausting effort involved in keeping his sexuality secret. He says he hopes by speaking openly now he can help younger athletes feel they do not have to make the same choices he did.
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Keighley Cougars talk about homophobic abuseKeighley Cougars, the Yorkshire rugby league club, have spoken exclusively to Attitude magazine about how they responded to a wave of homophobic abuse after becoming one of the UK's most openly LGBTQ+ inclusive sporting organisations. Co-owners Ryan O'Neill and Kaue Garcia say they received a torrent of hate following their decision to fly the rainbow flag and champion queer inclusion — but say the overwhelming response from fans, players and the wider community made it clear they were doing the right thing. The club, which this week received a Peugeot Attitude Pride Award, says they will not let hate win.
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Attitude reveals Pride Awards Europe winnersAttitude magazine has revealed the winners of its 2026 PEUGEOT Attitude Pride Awards Europe. This year's Pride Icons are rock band Placebo, whose anthem Nancy Boy has become an enduring symbol of LGBTQ+ self-expression, and singer-songwriter Cat Burns, celebrated for her openness about queer identity, autism and ADHD. Other honourees include ABC News journalist James Longman, Miss England trailblazer Grace Richardson, poet and BAFTA winner Dean Atta, YouTube creator Jessica Kellgren-Fozard, and Keighley Cougars owners Ryan O'Neill and Kaue Garcia, who have transformed the rugby league club into one of the UK's most proudly inclusive sporting organisations.
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Leicester Pride gearing up for biggest event yetLeicester Pride is gearing up for its biggest year yet, with organisers expecting more than twenty thousand people to attend the free festival at Abbey Park on the fifth of September. Chair Martyn Parker described the season of Prides across the Midlands as becoming a powerhouse in the UK calendar, saying the event exists to show that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued and accepted. Leicester has established itself as the largest free one-day Pride festival in the Midlands, with a full programme of live music, entertainment and a city-centre parade.
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Plaque unveiled for Paul O'GradyA rainbow plaque has been unveiled in honour of the late gay icon Paul O'Grady outside his former home in Vauxhall, south London, where he lived between 1985 and 1995. His widower André Portasio said Victoria Mansions was more than just a home — it was where O'Grady found his voice as Lily Savage, formed friendships that lasted a lifetime, and became part of a community he would champion and fight for throughout his life. Among those gathered for the unveiling were drag queen Danny Beard, activist Peter Tatchell and Frankie Goes to Hollywood frontman Holly Johnson.
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Leeds Hunters bid for queer rugby tournamentLeeds Hunters, the northern queer-inclusive-rugby-club, have put in a bid to host the Bingham Cup in twenty-twenty-eight. The Bingham Cup is the world’s largest amateur queer rugby tournament, expected to attract up to four thousand players from across the globe. Named after Mark Bingham — a gay American rugby player who died in the September the 11th attacks — the tournament has been held every two years since two-thousand-and-two. Leeds Hunters say their priority is ensuring every player can take part with confidence and a genuine sense of belonging, and the club has been explicit in its support for trans inclusion.
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Former lead singer of The Village People passes awayThe former lead singer of the Village People, Victor Willis, has died at the age of 74. Willis, who performed as a policeman or naval officer, sang with the group for their hits YMCA, Go West and In the navy, before leaving in 1980. His later years were marked by substance abuse, before he announced in 2007 he was finally free from drug use.
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West Midlands Police issues a public apologyWest Midlands Police has issued a public apology for what its acting Chief Constable Scott Green called the historic mistreatment of LGBTQ+ communities across the region. In an open letter, Green acknowledged that laws were wrongly used to target gay and bisexual men, ruining lives and leaving people afraid to be open about who they were or who they loved. He said he has been deeply saddened by the trauma experienced by members of the community as a consequence of policing, and pledged to build a more positive and trusting relationship with LGBTQ+ people across the West Midlands going forward.
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Canada confirms it's competing in Eurovision 2027Canada has confirmed it will compete in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria.
The country became eligible after joining the European Broadcasting Union, which supervises the competition, and will be the first new participants since Australia joined in 2015. Eurovision says Canada’s decision is a further sign that the song contest welcomes the world. -
Tatchell accused FIFA of shocking failure of governanceVeteran campaigner Peter Tatchell has accused FIFA of failing to check whether World Cup teams from countries that criminalise homosexuality would ever select an openly gay player. Tatchell was in Seattle where he called on football's governing body to enforce its own anti-discrimination rules. FIFA wrote back saying player selection is a matter for individual associations, a response Tatchell described as a shocking failure of governance. FIFA did confirm that rainbow flags are permitted at all World Cup matches.
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Pride The Musical opens in LondonA new stage musical based on the hit 2014 film Pride has opened at the Dorfman Theatre in London. The show reunites the film's screenwriter Stephen Beresford with director Matthew Warchus, telling the true story of how a group of LGBTQ+ activists in the 1980s began fundraising for a south Wales mining community during the miners' strikes — an unlikely alliance that blossomed into an enduring friendship between two very different communities. The Guardian describes it as a magnificent new musical in the same feelgood tradition as Billy Elliot and The Full Monty.
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Research finds discrimination against LGBTQ+ people remains widespreadA new collection of global academic research finds that discrimination against LGBTQ+ people remains widespread across many parts of the world. Studies spanning Spain, China, Indonesia, India and Latin America point to ongoing challenges in schools, workplaces and wider society — including evidence that gay men face invisibility and violence in Indonesian cinema, that LGBTQ+ youth in Spain feel let down by teachers, and that inclusive workplace policies and positive media representation make a meaningful difference to how gay colleagues are treated.
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UK Government publishes its draft Conversion Practices BillThe government has published its draft Conversion Practices Bill, which would ban abusive attempts to change someone's sexual orientation or gender identity in England and Wales. People found guilty could face an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison. Stonewall's chief executive Simon Blake called it a historic and long overdue step forward, saying LGBTQ+ people are not broken or in need of fixing. It has been eight years since Theresa May first vowed to introduce such legislation, with progress repeatedly delayed by political dispute and U-turns under successive prime ministers. The bill includes safeguards to protect legitimate healthcare, therapy, open conversations and free speech.
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Japan on the verge of a nationwide LGBTQ+ education programmeJapan is on the verge of introducing a nationwide LGBTQ+ education programme, designed to improve public understanding of gender and sexual diversity. The plan has been approved by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and is expected to be signed off by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet — despite the new PM's opposition to same-sex marriage. The programme would require schools to provide students with information about LGBTQ+ issues and give access to counsellors, and would also see universities add training on sexual diversity for future healthcare workers. Japan remains the only G7 nation yet to legalise same-sex marriage.
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Romeo Beckham's debut in gay tennis romanceRomeo Beckham is set to make his acting debut in a gay tennis romance called Forty Love. The film, directed by fashion photographer Pierre-Ange Carlotti in his feature debut, sees Beckham play a charismatic rival to a French tennis star whose arrival unsettles everything the lead character thinks he knows about competition, ambition — and himself. The cast also includes Catherine Deneuve, and the film is due for release in France in November. Romeo will be following in his mother Victoria's cinematic footsteps — yes, we mean Spice World.
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LGBTQ+ people leaving the USA in record numbersLGBTQ+ people in the United States are leaving the country in record numbers, according to a new report from Rainbow Railroad, the international LGBTQ+ asylum assistance organisation. The group received over twenty thousand requests for help relocating last year — a fifty-one percent increase on the previous year and the highest figure since it was founded in 2006. Strikingly, nearly a third of those requests came from American citizens fleeing the current administration's anti-LGBTQ+ policies, compared to just thirteen percent the year before. At the same time, fewer queer refugees from other countries are seeking asylum in the US, after the Trump administration effectively shut down the federal refugee admissions programme earlier this year.
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Original rainbow Pride flag travels to IrelandA piece of LGBTQ+ history is making its first ever trip outside the United States this summer. A fragment of the original rainbow Pride flag — designed by artist and activist Gilbert Baker and first raised in San Francisco in 1978 — is travelling to Cork in Ireland, where it will go on display at the Cork Public Museum for four months. The loan has been agreed between San Francisco's GLBT Historical Society and the city of Cork, and will coincide with the opening of the museum's first permanent LGBTQ+ exhibition. The museum's curator says the flag's arrival sends a strong message that the museum is a place for everyone.
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Gay wedding in Toy Story 5?Toy Story 5 is in cinemas, and some viewers have been wondering whether the film contains an LGBTQ+ wedding. The opening scene features a marriage between the loveable plastic utensil Forky and a new character called Karen Beverly — a DIY toy made from a knife. One critic argued the couple constitute a queer pairing because they are described as husband and knife rather than husband and wife. Most viewers and reviewers, however, have concluded it is simply a very good pun from the writers — though PinkNews notes that if you want to read it as an LGBTQ+ wedding, absolutely go for it.
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Liverpool to cherish city's Pride QuarterLiverpool's council leader has pledged to cherish the city's Pride Quarter after concerns were raised that it's disappearing before our eyes. Podcast host John Hyland raised the alarm warning that multiple queer venues in the Stanley Street area have closed in recent years. Council leader Liam Robinson responded warmly, saying the city knows how important its gay quarter is and vowing to raise Liverpool's voice even louder at a time when queer rights are being challenged elsewhere. His comments came with a pointed reference to neighbouring Saint --Helens, whose Reform-led council recently announced it will no longer support or promote Pride.
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What does the + stand for?PinkNews is marking Pride Month with a handy explainer on what the plus in LGBTQ+ actually stands for — after a clip went viral of a comedian admitting she thought it meant plus size. In fact, the plus covers all sexual and gender identities not captured by the letters themselves, including pansexual, asexual, intersex and genderfluid people. The acronym has evolved significantly since the term LGBT first came into common use in the late nineteen-eighties, and debate continues about the best way to be truly inclusive.
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Alarm over facial recognition software in queer barsA digital rights group is raising the alarm about the spread of facial recognition technology into queer bars. Reports from San Francisco's Castro District have revealed at least three venues are using biometric scanning kiosks at their doors, collecting customers' names, addresses and behavioural data. The campaign group Fight-for-the-future says the technology is a complete betrayal of community trust, warning that gay bars should be spaces where people can gather without fear of the kind of surveillance that has historically been used against vulnerable communities.
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Netherlands set to ban conversion therapyThe Netherlands is set to become the latest country to ban conversion therapy, with the Dutch government announcing plans to outlaw the practice for both minors and vulnerable adults. The move has been welcomed by LGBT+ organisations, who say conversion therapy causes lasting psychological harm. The Netherlands joins a growing list of European countries to have introduced such a ban, including France, Germany and Spain.
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Thousands could miss out on compensationFighting with Pride, the charity that’s been campaigning for reparations for gay people thrown out of the military, says it fears many hundreds could miss out on thousands of pounds. With less than six months to go before the deadline for claiming compensation, the charity says this is because they’re not open about their sexuality or too ashamed to admit what happened. LGBT servicemen and women weren’t allowed in the military until 2000, despite homosexuality being decriminalised decades earlier. The Ministry of Defence says it deeply regrets the treatment of LGBT veterans and is working hard to publicise the compensation scheme.