LGBT+ Pride – a view from the Thames

In London, events will culminate in Pride in London’s parade on Saturday 6th July, a colourful, noisy and fun march raising awareness of the issues that continue to affect anyone who doesn’t identify as straight.

Pride parades have been held annually in London since 1972 and have become a must-see event for anyone and everyone regardless of sexuality. Expect London to be busy this year – in 2018, over a million people enjoyed the parade, and the same kind of numbers – if not more – are expected in 2019 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the birth of the modern LGBT+ rights movement.

For the rest of June and the first week of July, there are a huge number of events celebrating Pride month in London. These include Positive Runway Pride Fashion Week at the Underbelly Festival (nearest pier: Festival), a summer-long party celebrating LGBT+ artists and performers at the Southbank Centre, (nearest pier: Festival) and a free outdoor Pride festival at the National Theatre’s River Stage (nearest pier: Festival) over the parade weekend.

For a list of Pride parties and events, check the Pride in London website for details.

Where can I see the Pride parade in London?

On the day, the Pride parade is due to begin at midday at Portland Place. Marchers will cross Oxford Circus, walk down Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus, move on to Pall Mall, then pass through Trafalgar Square (nearest pier: Embankment) before finishing on Whitehall (nearest pier: Westminster). It’s estimated it’ll finish at 5.30 pm, but the marchers at the front of the parade will get there a lot sooner.

Soho Fire Station Pride Open Day

If you’re planning to be in London with the kids on Saturday 6th, take them to Soho to have a behind the scenes look around the Soho fire station which is holding an open day for the public and has activities aimed at children.