London Pride 2023: When is LGBTQ+ parade and where is celebration taking place?

Pride in London is set to take place this summer with event organisers hoping it will be the “UK’s biggest, most diverse Pride” ever.

Pride is a chance to celebrate what it means to be a part of the LGBT+ community, as a community, and remember those who paved the way.

Pride month takes place every June with parades, parties and protests to mark the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots.

Here is everything you need to know about this year’s celebrations.

What is Pride in London?

Pride in London celebrates LGBTQ+ London with a programme of events showcasing LGBTQ+ culture, including theatre, dance, art, cinema, parties and activities across the city.

The festival culminates in the colourful Pride in London Parade in central London, as well as free performances in Trafalgar Square and the West End.

Hundreds of floats will travel through London, while groups sing and dance across the city.

Soho takes over at night with parties and events in the many pubs, bars and clubs, with similar events taking place throughout the city.

History of Pride

The first UK Gay Pride Rally was held in London on July 1 1972, a date that was chosen as it was the closest Saturday to the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, and around 2,000 people participated.

Protesters’ banners at the first London Pride said things like ‘Campaign for Homosexual Equality’. The struggle to be represented in the community is where it all began.

When is London Pride 2023?

This year’s London Pride parade will take place on Saturday July 1. It will start at noon at Hyde Park Corner before moving towards Piccadilly, then south to Haymarket and Trafalgar Square, before finishing at Whitehall Place.

The parade will see over 600 LGBT+ community groups march, with 30,000 people registered overall this year.

The grandstand in Haymarket will be open from about 11.30am for viewers.

The parade is free to attend but tickets for the grandstand can be purchased here.

You can also apply to be a volunteer here.

What is London Pride 2023’s theme?

This year’s theme has yet to be announced. Last year’s Pride in London parade, which had the theme #AllOurPride, attracted a record 1.5 million people to the streets of London.

Pride in London CEO Christopher Joell-Deshields said “We were ecstatic to be back on the streets of London in protest and celebration in 2022 with #AllOurPride.

“We look forward to London’s LGBT+ communities coming together again on July 1st 2023 as we continue to show up for visibility, unity and equality for all LGBT+ people”.

Main events

This year there will be the Golden Square stage; the Trafalgar Square stage; the Women’s Stage in Leicester Square; Cabaret Stage in Dean Street, Soho; and a Family Area in St Giles-in-the-Field with activities and performances for parents with children.

Further information regarding performances and line ups will be shared and updated on the website.