The Best LGBTQ Pride Events in the UK and Later This Summer
5 min read
After a few years, this year’s Pride celebrations are promising a monumental party as well as a side of protest.
But it’s not just the UK that is getting in on the action – major Pride events are taking place in Berlin, Sweden and even, um, Torremolinos!
So paint your face, tie on your harness, and see where the love is to spread this summer.
Torremolinos – until June 5th; 31 October to 6 November
Yes true. While Costa del Sol Brits may be better known as a flip-and-flop package spot, quiz a Madrileno where they head for a lolly hole and many will head south toremolinos,
So if you’ve done Gay Gran Canaria, Madrid and Barcelona, it’s worth giving it a whirl.
With its own homosexuality, La Nogalera, and the city and its surrounding gay beaches, as well as one of Europe’s largest gay hotels, Ritual, it’s so popular now that it’s throwing two prides this year – One in summer, one in winter.
Take that, Maspalomas.
Want to do some sightseeing? Beyond the beaches, do your shopping along Calle San Miguel or enjoy some peace at Parque La Bateria.
Live: rooms religious rites From £87pn.
London – 2 July
pride in london Tracing back to the original 1972 march from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall, the UK marks 50 years of the first Pride Parade.
Elsewhere the events are still TBC, but with around 1.5 million people expected to come, all clubs will be doing specials (bag tickets early) and, come 4 p.m., Soho will turn into a village fte-cum-rave (if You grew up in a village where everyone walks around in vests holding tins of G&T, ie). To be trapped
Want to do some sightseeing? Visit the Tower of London to see superbloomA sea of flowers for the Queen’s Jubilee (tickets £13.20).
Live: shiny new Amano at Covent Garden Rooms are from £179pn.
Brighton – August 5 to 7
Brighton Pride Feels part of the city’s DNA so everyone gets involved. You’ll Find Uni Mets Street-Parting in Kemptown, Crowds Here We Are Fabuloso Festival Families waving the flag in Preston Park (tickets from £32.50) as well as in the parade, whose 2022 theme is ‘Love, Protest and Unity’.
Given the expected 300,000 people, most events are ticketed, so plan ahead. If you’re not a local, go your way home. Be careful: those trains! Three days of screaming. Not that we would have it any other way.
Want to do some sightseeing? A stroll around the lane meets indie boutiques. For some kits, go here royal pavilion (tickets £17), a former seaside retreat for King George IV.
Live: on the bed by the sea Malmaison BrightonWith rooms from £149pn.
Stockholm – August 1 to 7
For a cool LGBT+-tinged city break, try Scandinavia’s greatest pride in Stockholm, The festivities take place over a week, with about half a million people attending the main parade.
There’s also Pride Park, which has common stages and exhibitions (plus an 18+ kink zone) and Pride House, which offers workshops and talks throughout the week.
After walking around, soaking up the rainbow waves in one of Europe’s friendliest, most civilized cities, head for a sunset drink and sip on painting pavilionA gay-run floating restaurant-bar that epitomizes Stockholm’s everyone-welcoming scene.
Want to do some sightseeing? a pilgrimage to Abba Museum takes you on an interactive journey through one of pop’s great bands (tickets £22.60).
Live: Downtown Camper by Scandic Rooms available from £98pn.
Berlin – 23 July
Europe’s party capital offers an entire Pride Month with two main event options.
there is CSD, or Christopher Street DayBerlin’s flagship Pride event, whose parade runs from Schöneberg in Berlin’s main queer district to the Brandenburg Gate.
and there is also city festivalHeld a week ago around Nollendorfplatz, with an alternative queer Berlin vibe (think demo with a side of casually chatting people in puppy masks).
Here for the clubbing? Advanced tickets are required for big guns like Berghain (prices vary).
Want to do some sightseeing? Take a break from the madness with the Tiergarten at Mauerpark, one of the city’s largest Sunday flea markets, and barter for vintage vinyl and retro threads.
Live: art’otelli The trendy Mitte has rooms from £98pn.
Bristol – 9 July
Bristol’s Pride There are more than two weeks of events and activities throughout the city from June 25 to July 10, including the ever-popular dog show (the categories include ‘most likable owners’ and ‘best musical seating’).
there is also Queer Vision Film Festival, the fortnight will culminate in Pride Day on The Downs on Saturday, July 9. Carly Rae Jepsen heads the headlines, while Anna Matronic tops the bill at the after party at O2 Academy (ticket £12).
A pro’s wristband will set you back £7.
Want to do some sightseeing? Take street art tour To find out how Banksy’s Picks got its start (tickets from £7.50) and, if it’s hot, make it cool Lido in Clifton (non-member swim, £20).
Live: Stylish Central Hotel Bristol Rooms are from £88pn.
Manchester – August 26 to August 29
Manchester Pride It has abandoned Superstars and its MCR Pride live event and has gone back to its roots this year with a focus again on a protest rather than a pop concert.
So expect a huge parade and gay village party, but also by the light of a candle, Youth Pride MCR, Family Pride MCR and Human Rights Forum.
our trick? Superbia Weekend, a free queer culture festival taking place in alcohol-free places – it’s the ideal brainy accompaniment to the main shebang.
Want to do some sightseeing? Eat your way around Ancots, the city’s newest foodie neighborhood – from small plates and natural wine First to modern British Mind From former Noma chef Simon Martin.
Live: cold Cow Hollow Hotel Rooms from £119pn.
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