The best places to celebrate Pride in the South West

Pride is one of the biggest annual celebrations among LGBTQIA+ communities. Most towns and cities host a parade with an eclectic array of events as people swarm the streets in colourful clothing. 

Can't decide which pride(s) to go to this year? We’ve put this handy guide together to help make your decision a little easier. We’ll be adding to the guide as more information comes in. Here are our top Pride picks in the South West.

When is Pride month?

Pride month is celebrated annually in June. However, Pride celebrations take place at different times across the country, usually between June and September. So, when is London Pride? This year’s event takes place on Saturday, 29th June 2024. Read on to find out more about different Pride events in the South West and plan your celebrations. 

Dorset Youth Pride

Dorset Youth Pride is an inclusive event welcoming all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, regardless of age. Taking place at Shire Hall Museum, one of Dorchester’s most historic buildings, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable time. There are many exciting things to do throughout the day, including free activities and entertainment.

When? Saturday 13 June
Price: Free
How to get there: Dorchester South is a short stroll from Shire Hall Museum

Portsmouth Pride  

Portsmouth Pride is a free all-day event on Southsea Common - there’s plenty of fun to be had! Head to the main stage for performances from Vicki Vivacious and The Cheeky Girls, along with talented tribute acts paying homage to musical heroes. Plenty of food, drinks and activity stalls will keep you fuelled and engaged all day.

When? Saturday 6 July
Price: Free
How to get there: Portsmouth Pride is a half-hour walk from Portsmouth & Southsea, or you can catch the Hov bus towards Southsea. Get off at Hovertravel (stop D) and walk for six minutes to Southsea Common

London Pride

The iconic London Pride is among the UK’s most popular, celebrated annually by thousands of colourfully-clad revellers. The parade starts with floats, flags and balloons. It begins at Park Lane and finishes at Whitehall Palace. Afterwards, head to one of the many stage areas for more fun and celebration:

- Golden Square, Soho
- Trafalgar Square
- Women's Stage, Leicester Square 
- Cabaret Stage, Dean Street, Soho 
- Family Area, St Giles in the Fields

Each area has a stage and various stalls for food and drinks. Expect mesmerising theatre and dance showcases, plus art and film exhibitions. 

When? Saturday 29 June
Price: Free
How to get there: London Waterloo station is at the heart of the Pride action, so take a train there for easy access

Salisbury Pride 

Salisbury Pride is a free parade and festival bringing the city's LGBTQIA+ communities together. Hosted in Salisbury centre, it’s an exciting event showcasing much of the city’s best talent. Head to the main stage for eclectic drag and tribute acts, plus performances from talented singers and dancers. There’s plenty of food and drinks to keep you energised.

When? TBC
Price: Free
How to get there: The Salisbury Pride celebrations are a short walk from Salisbury station

Bourne Free Pride

Bourne Free Pride, or Bournemouth Pride, celebrates equality and diversity in Bournemouth. The colourful occasion is held yearly in Meyrick Park and promises fun and entertainment. Expect a fabulous parade, talented singers and dancers and spectacular drag showcases.

When? Friday 5 to Saturday 6 July
Price: Free
How to get there: Meyrick Park is a 24-minute walk from Bournemouth station, or you can catch the m1 bus towards Poole. Get off at Bournemouth Square and walk 13 minutes to the park

UK Black Pride, London  

UK Black Pride (UKBP) is the world’s largest LGBTQIA+ celebration for people with African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American and Caribbean heritage. It’s a space for free cultural expression, with entertainment throughout the day. Expect performances, talks, community stalls and workshops.

When? Sunday 11 August
Price: Free
How to get there: UKBP takes place at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, London. Take the Jubilee line (eastbound) from London Waterloo to Stratford to join the event

New Forest Pride 

New Forest Pride takes place in Lymington. It’s a day to soak up the colourful atmosphere and celebrate talent among local LGBTQIA+ communities. Enjoy on-stage entertainment from some favourite local drag divas, plus delicious food and drinks to fuel your day.

When? Saturday 27 July
Price: Free with a ticket
How to get there: Lymington Town station is just a stone’s throw from Lymington’s Pride celebrations

Southampton Pride

With a mission to promote equality and diversity, Southampton Pride promises a day of entertainment. The fun begins with a colourful march through the city centre (don’t forget your rainbow outfits and glitter!). Then you can shimmy over to the stage to catch some of Southampton’s best singers, dancers and performers. 
 
When? Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 August
Price: Free
How to get there: Pride in Southampton takes place in the city centre, just a couple minutes’ walk from Southampton Central

Eastleigh Pride 

Plenty happens at Eastleigh Pride. The day starts with a vibrant parade through the town centre – the perfect place to wave your rainbow flags. Afterwards, enjoy entertainment from drag queens and musicians, plus plenty of dancing! There’s also delicious food and drinks from different vendors.

When? Saturday 14 September
Price: Free
How to get there: Eastleigh station is in the heart of the Pride action

Travel to pride with South Western Railway

Pride celebrations can get busy, so leave your car at home and let us do the driving. Discover cheap train tickets to your chosen pride event by going off-peak, or get organised with advance tickets to save even more.

Travelling to Pride events on a Sunday? You can benefit from our Sunday Out tickets for extra flexibility. On other days of the week, our Semi Flex Return tickets save you money on your return journey. Passengers with a Railcard could save even more, while those travelling in groups can benefit from GroupSave.

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