London Pride is happening this Saturday, June 29, and this year’s theme is "We Are Everywhere." This theme celebrates the power, presence, and importance of the entire LGBTQ+ community, highlighting their role as drivers of positive change in London’s past, present, and future. The organizers have started a hashtag, #WeAreEverywhere, to spread this empowering message and champion the everyday lives of Londoners who, through their defiance and determination, pave the way for others.
Here's a guide to the top activities across London to help you make the most of this vibrant celebration.
The Parade
The all-day festival will feature a massive parade starting at 12pm on Park Lane, passing through Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and ending on Whitehall. Expect larger-than-life floats, jubilant LGBTQ+ members, and a million different rainbows. While the route will be closed to vehicles all day, there will be several points where you can cross.
Pride Exhibition
Don't miss the exhibition of LGBTQ+ Londoners' place in history on June 29. Pictures from across the community will be shown in Piccadilly Circus, providing a "striking culmination in demonstration of LGBTQ+ pride and solidarity."
Wembley Park Pride 2024: A Mosaic of Identities
Starting at 4pm, Wembley Park will host a day-long celebration at the Sound Shell open-air stage. The free festival will feature music performances, high-energy diva dance classes, inspiring speeches, and compelling drag shows, embodying the spirit of inclusivity that Pride stands for.
Seeing Things Queerly Trail at the Science Museum
Explore this unique exhibition that delves into the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in science. Through interactive displays and thought-provoking narratives, "Seeing Things Queerly" challenges traditional views and celebrates diversity in scientific achievements.
Aesop’s Queer Library
This Pride Month, Aesop's "Multiple Margins" library returns, focusing on the intersections of queer and racial identities. The collection features titles from contemporary queer writers and a captivating discussion with Liv Little, Jason Okundaye, and Osmon Yousefzada, available to watch on Aesop’s digital channels.
River Stage at the National Theatre
Starting on June 5, The Glory returns to the River Stage, curated by drag and performance icons Jonny Woo and John Sizzle. Expect a radical weekend of queer music, performance, and hi-jinx, all by the Thames.
Desire, Love, Identity: Exploring LGBTQ Histories at the British Museum
Join a free 70-minute tour that explores queer histories behind the British Museum’s collection. Learn about famous artefacts like the Townley Diskobolos, the Gilgamesh Tablet, and the Warren Cup, all through the lens of LGBTQ+ history.
Special Events and Collaborations
Cubitts: Collaborate with fashion designer Philip Normal for a special pair of sunglasses, auctioned with proceeds to the Albert Kennedy Trust.
Folie: Enjoy rainbow ELY cocktails with picnic blankets and ping pong bats in Golden Square.
Island Poké: Donating 10% of profits from their DIY kits sold during Pride Month to the Albert Kennedy Trust.
Scotch & Soda: Offering facemasks with proceeds benefiting The Hunger Project and the LGBTQ Freedom Fund.
Axel Arigato: Limited edition Pride-themed merchandise with 15% of sales going to the Albert Kennedy Trust.
Wolf & Badger: Showcasing LGBTQ+ ethical brands and live sketching from Drawing Cabaret Couture.
LEON: Offering a 2-4-1 deal on their vegan LOVe Burgers with proceeds supporting akt.
Permanent Music Art Gallery: Featuring art celebrating LGBTQ+ musicians and allies, with a portion of sales donated to Pride in London's Unity Fund.
Pride Parties
Howl Pride: A 15-hour day-to-night party in Hackney Wick with performances, a garden party, a queer market stall, and a massive night rave.
Mimi’s: Pride at Troxy: An all-night bash featuring DJs, drag performers, circus stunts, and special guests.
Ministry of Pride: An all-night party at Ministry of Sound with a stellar line-up of DJs and entertainers.
Gal Pals: London Pride: A space for queer women, trans and non-binary people, promising a fantastic Pride playlist and special guests.
Lana Del Rave: Pride Closing Party: Heaven’s celebration of alternative genre music with DJ sets, tribute acts, and lots of glitter.
Inferno: A new Pride party promising an intimate night with an exciting line-up.
Bootylicious Pride After Party: A QTBIPOC party at Vauxhall’s Club Union with viral DJs, dancehall, amapiano, afroswing, and classic hip-hop until dawn.
History of Pride Month
Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Uprising of June 28, 1969, a pivotal event in the Gay Liberation Movement. The Stonewall Inn, declared a historic landmark in 2015 and a national monument in 2016, was the site of the first Pride parade in 1970, marking a significant moment in LGBTQ+ history.
Celebrate the rich diversity and vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ+ community with these exciting activities and events. Happy Pride! #WeAreEverywhere
