Pride: 50th anniversary year of LGBTQ+ solidarity marches

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After a two-year hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Pride parade is returning to London on 02 July.

To promote visibility, self-affirmation, equality and inclusion, many events celebrating LGBTQ+ are set to take place across London until September, including themed walking tours, concerts and comedy shows. Additionally, residents and visitors can get to know more about LGBTQ+ history with themed collection presentations hosted by some prestigious museums, including the V&A, the British Museum, Tate Modern, Wallace Collection and Sir John Soane's Museum. Additionally, it was recently launched the UK's first-ever LGBTQ+ museum, Queer Britain.

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From 22 to 24 July, the Northern Pride festival will take place in Newcastle upon Tyne with a packed programme of events, including the launch party, with the renowned LGBTQ+ artists Todrick Hall, Bimini Bon Boulash and DJ Jodie Harsh, and the solidarity march.

Also in Newcastle, the Forth Plinth will showcase the trans, non-binary and gender-diverse community, and the Local Heroes Awards will celebrate LGBTQ+ people and allies who have made an impact on the community over the last 50 years. 

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Located on the southeast coast, Brighton has been heralded as the unofficial LGBTQ+ capital of Britain. This year, Brighton & Hove Pride celebrates the 30th anniversary of the LGBTQ+ Community Parade with two-days events taking place on 6 and 7 August, including the traditional parade.

Staged under the theme, ‘Love, Protest & Unity’, the spectacle is one of the biggest and brightest occasions in Brighton & Hove’s events calendar. More than 300,000 people will gather across the city’s streets to participate in and watch the all-singing, all-dancing carnival of colour of ‘Fabuloso’, the official Brighton & Hove community fundraiser.

Additionally, Ironworks will bring cabaret, comedy and live music celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and diversity - during the pride and throughout the year. 

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75,000 visitors are expected to join Birmingham's two-day Pride extravaganza planned to take place on 24 and 25 September. With an exciting line-up on the Main Stage, including Cheryl, Ms Banks, Aaron Porter and the star of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Baga Chipz, Birmingham’s Gay Village will also host a Cabaret Stage and Future Stage.

In addition to the Pride, SHOUT Festival of Queer Arts and Culture take place at different venues across Birmingham to celebrate LGBTQ+ artists and communities across a range of cultural performances.

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Ahead of Pride, the national transgender celebration Sparkle will take over Manchester between 6 and 8 July to celebrate gender diversity.

And during August Bank Holiday, it will be the time to get the rainbow colours and celebrate Manchester Pride. From 26 to 29 August, a diverse range of events will take place across Manchester to celebrate the 50 years of the first Pride in England - with the main parade, a human rights forum with LGBTQ+ activists and leaders and family activities. 

On the last day of the event, on Monday 29 August, candlelit vigils will be held at Sackville Gardens to support and remember those who were lost to HIV.

With a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, Manchester is home to Canal Street, also known as the Gay Village - one of the largest, oldest and most flamboyant areas of England. From traditional pubs to intimate clubs, the Gay Village is a must for delegates looking for a buzzy, exciting nightlife all year round.