Warwickshire Pride 2025
- 16 August 2025
- Warwickshire
Warwickshire Pride is more than just a party; it's an annual gathering in the heart of Leamington Spa that mixes celebration with activism. Since its beginnings over a decade ago, the festival has grown from a small local rally into a full‑blown day of marches, speeches and entertainment. The message, however, hasn't changed. Organisers describe Warwickshire Pride as a protest rooted in the fight for equality and a safe space for lgbtq+Q+ people. This year’s event remains rooted in activism and resistance; the festival continues to call attention to the issues queer communities still face.
The next Warwickshire Pride is scheduled for Saturday, 16 August 2025, when a colourful community will take to the streets of Leamington Spa. Participants will gather at Beauchamp Road at 11.00 a.m. before heading onto Clarendon Avenue and the Parade. Anyone is welcome to join the march, and there's no cost to march; organisations need to register ahead of time, but members of the public can simply turn up and walk alongside the banners and flags. After the march, the crowd will move to the Pump Room Gardens, a green space in the centre of town that has become synonymous with the event. The festival continues until around 6 p.m. with live music, stalls and food vendors.
What makes Warwickshire Pride stand out is the breadth of activities on offer. At the festival you’ll find a marketplace of around 120 stalls selling crafts, clothing, literature and food, many operated by local charities and community groups. Live performers include drag artists, musicians and spoken‑word performers taking to the stage. Kids and families are well catered for thanks to fairground rides and areas set aside for games, arts activities and a dog show. The event also prides itself on being inclusive; there are dedicated chill‑out zones for trans and non‑binary guests, a bi zone, a youth tent and pop‑up bars bring flavours from around the world, turning the gardens into a vibrant street‑food bazaar. Organisers see the 2025 festival as an opportunity to build on the success of previous years. Chair Daniel Browne told local news site Nub News that they want the event to be "bigger and better" than ever. He emphasised that while Warwickshire Pride is a fun day, the march remains a protest and a chance to highlight ongoing levels of hate and backlash faced by lgbtq+Q+ communities. Organisers also plan to pay tribute to the festival’s history; Warwickshire Pride was founded after local authorities cut funding for an lgbtq+ youth group, prompting Browne to organise an independent protest march. Since then, the festival has become a lifeline for many, offering people a sense of belonging and reminding them they are not alone.
Attendance has climbed steadily over the years and the atmosphere is known for being friendly and welcoming. Many people return year after year to meet friends they only see at Pride, browse the stalls and enjoy the music. First‑timers are often struck by how the event feels like a community picnic on the grass while teenagers dance near the stage. Those who want to avoid crowds can retreat to quieter areas such as the trans chillout zone or the dedicated vending platform. Throughout the day, volunteers circulate with information about support services available in Warwickshire and beyond, underscoring the event’s focus on well‑being as much as revelry. Everyone is encouraged to bring sunscreen, some cash for the stalls and, if you live in Leamington or arrive by train, a reusable water bottle; the event is free to attend but donations help keep it sustainable.
In addition to the main festival, Warwickshire Pride runs events throughout the year with a focus on support and activism. The organisation also campaigns for lgbtq+Q+ rights locally, and their activism will be visible at the 2025 march, which coincides with ongoing debates over public toilets and gender diversity initiatives. Organisers say they are determined to maintain a positive, community‑driven atmosphere despite the challenges. As one commentator quipped in a local newspaper on the day – everyone being there, being who they are, is what makes it all worthwhile.
Visitors planning to attend in 2025 should keep an eye on the official Warwickshire Pride website for updates. It's recommended to arrive early for the march and book accommodation well in advance, as hotels in Leamington fill up quickly. Regular train links to Leamington Spa are good; the town is on the railway network and several bus routes stop near Pump Room Gardens. Whether you’re a seasoned Pride‑goer or curious to experience a small‑town Pride, Warwickshire Pride offers a mix of protest, celebration and community. It’s a chance to enjoy live music and colourful outfits while standing alongside people from all walks of life in support of equality. Pack your glitter, bring some friends and be ready to dance and change. The festival’s blend of activism and entertainment creates an environment where politics and joy coexist. Come prepared to meet new people and make friends along the way.
