As one of the most attended dates in the Leeds calendar, Pride marks the largest annual coming-together of people in Leeds City Centre, with various parades taking place all over the country during the summer months.
These events are a cornerstone of British Summertime and promote inclusivity, community and serves as a platform for LGBTQ+ rights.
When Is Leeds Pride?
Leeds Pride takes place in summer, with the 2024 parade slated for 21st July 2024.
With more and more people attending Leeds Pride in West Yorkshire year-on-year, the event shows solidarity and support for the community en-masse.
The History of Yorkshire's Biggest Celebration
The first Pride in Leeds, West Yorkshire took place over 15 years ago in 2006. The annual event has migrated around the city before finding its current home in the City Centre. Leeds Pride has grown more than tenfold, from roughly 7,000 in the mid 00’s to a staggering 75,000 people all descending on the UK’s third largest city.
From pre-Pride-era picnics on Woodhouse Moor to the full-on-festival that we have today — Leeds Pride have created a safe and fun way for all to celebrate pride. The current event takes over Lower Briggate and spans all the way over the river to Meadow Lane utilising Call Lane and Swinegate, all of which boats ample places to eat and drink. The Main Stage was is historically based on Leeds’ Millennium Square, but is now on Lower Briggate.
Key milestones in the history of Leeds Pride
2006 — The First Official Leeds Gay Pride
2009 — Over 10,000 attendees
2016 — Ten-year anniversary, officially renamed “Leeds Pride”; 40,000 people attended.
2022 — Attendance of over 70,000.
Highlights of Leeds Pride
Free Entry:
That’s right, not a single penny. Entry to the event is free of charge and open to all.
Parade:
Beginning at around 2 PM, the crowds begin in Leeds’ Millennium Square and make their way south towards The Calls and Lower Briggate, passing bars and restaurants as well as market stalls set out especially for the passing masses.
Main Stage Events:
You can expect live music and celebrity appearances as well as DJs to keep the dancing and partying going until the early hours.
Community Stalls:
With over 100 market stalls registered for Leeds Pride, there’s always something for everyone. Stalls for Food and Drink as well as clothing and other merchandise line the parade route.
Who's Playing — Leeds Pride City Centre Lineup
6th August 2023
First Direct Bank Stage
GOK WAN
DANNY BEARD
ASTON MERRYGOLD
STARS
HOMOPARODY
HONEYHONEYZ — ABBA TRIBUTE
LADY BUSHRA
FIBRE QUEENS
MARIGOLD ADDAMS
Sainsbury’s Stage
RACHEL FULLER
IMANI VERSACE
DAVEY STUART
SHEBA GLAMORE
HOUSE OF BLAQUE
KING LITTLE
HAUS OF HELL
Find Out More
By embracing the LGBTQ+ community in Leeds, the city has grown in both character and mind. Attitudes have undoubtedly changed over the years, with empowerment and visibility at the core of most consensuses.
Looking to attend the UK’s friendliest pride? Find out more information on next year’s Leeds Pride, visit the website: https://www.leedspride.com
