The London Pride is happening next weekend (29 of June), when the city fills with parades, parties, and protests to honour the LGBTQ+ community and commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots. The London Pride parade is the main event, but there are plenty of other activities before and after the big day. Over a million people come to join the celebration each summer.
When is London Pride 2024?
Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 29. The parade will start at 12 PM and go until 6 PM. The route kicks off at Hyde Park Corner, winds through Piccadilly Circus and Haymarket, continues along Pall Mall, and ends at Whitehall Place.
Do You Need Tickets?
Good news! London Pride is free and doesn’t require tickets. However, it does get crowded. If you prefer a comfortable seat with a great view, you can buy a spot in the grandstand on Haymarket starting at £50.
Want to Join the Parade?
If you’re part of a community group, employee network, or non-profit, you can apply to march in the parade. There are slots for 600 groups, so get your application in soon! The event also needs volunteers to help with fundraising, stewarding, and making sure everything runs smoothly. You can apply to volunteer as well.
What Happens at London Pride?
London Pride isn’t just a parade; it’s a massive celebration of LGBTQ+ culture with theatre, dance, art, cinema, parties, and more. Last year, over 1.5 million people attended, enjoying performances by stars like Adam Lambert and Idina Menzel. This year promises even more excitement with various stages set up across the city center.
Best Spots to Watch the Parade
- Hyde Park Corner: This is where the parade starts. It’s a good spot to see all the floats and marchers as they set off.
- Piccadilly Circus: A lively area with great views, but you must arrive early to get a good spot.
- Haymarket: Home to the official grandstand, but you’ll get a good view here even without a ticket.
- Trafalgar Square: A bit more space to watch the parade, but still very busy.
- Whitehall: The final stop of the parade. Many marchers head to nearby Soho or Trafalgar Square afterwards for more celebrations.
Fun Events and Activities
- Boom Cycle Battersea: Join a special Pride cycle session led by Ru Paul’s Drag Race star Bimini. Expect a 50-minute “party on a bike” with great music.
- Pride-themed Treats: Lola’s Cupcakes is selling colourful Pride cupcakes and donating 5% of the proceeds to the LGBTQ+ helpline Switchboard.
- Fundraising Mini Golf: Puttshack is teaming up with charity akt to support safe homes for LGBTQ+ youth. They’re donating five pence for every hole-in-one and selling special merchandise.
- Music at Old Spitalfields Market: On Friday, June 28, enjoy a free concert with performances by artists like Douglas Dare and Yoko Afi.
How to Get Involved
Whether you want to march, volunteer, or enjoy the festivities, there are many ways to be part of London Pride 2024. For more details and to apply for participation or volunteer roles, visit the official Pride in London website.
Join the celebration and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community at London Pride 2024!
