Leeds Pride has grown from a small community march into one of Yorkshire’s biggest celebrations of lgbtq++ life. Each summer tens of thousands of people line the streets to cheer a vibrant parade of floats and walking groups, then spill into city centre squares and bars for hours of music, dancing and activism. Organisers emphasise that Leeds Pride remains free and accessible; there is no ticket price, and the city centre becomes a huge festival site with stages, food stalls and information booths for charities and health services. In recent years the event has generated more than £3.8 million for the local economy and attracted more than 70,000 visitors. Last year more than 160 organisations took part in the parade, which set off from Millennium Square and wound through the shopping district before finishing at the gay village around Lower Briggate.
The 2025 edition of Leeds Pride is scheduled for the weekend of 18 – 19 July. It will follow a familiar pattern: Saturday sees community events, family activities and small parties around the city, while the main parade takes place on Sunday afternoon. Starting from Millennium Square, the procession snakes through the city with floats from local businesses, charities, religious groups and sports clubs. When the parade reaches Lower Briggate, the road is transformed into an outdoor party with live music, drag performances, market stalls and street food. Many of the city’s bars host after‑parties that continue late into the night. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, use public transport and respect local residents. Accommodation in central Leeds tends to sell out well in advance, so booking early helps avoid disappointment. Hotels near the railway station or the university campus are within walking distance of the parade route.
Looking ahead to 2026, Leeds Pride will celebrate its twentieth anniversary. Organisers are still finalising the schedule and are expected to confirm dates later in the year. The milestone edition is likely to take place around the third weekend of July, in keeping with past events. Many local campaigners hope the anniversary will shine a light on the progress made since the first Pride march in 2006 and the ongoing work needed to support trans rights and mental health services. The city’s lgbtq++ groups are already planning art exhibitions, film screenings and history projects to coincide with the festival. Check the official Leeds Pride website for the latest programme announcements and opportunities to volunteer or sponsor the event. As always, the streets of Leeds will be filled with colour, music and a sense of community that continues to grow year after year.
Official Website
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