This past weekend marked exactly 20 years of Leeds Pride celebrations: 20 Years of courage and self-love all wrapped up into one fabulous weekend.
The celebrations included a variety of performances from familiar faces, such as La Voix and Baga Chipz, as well as a raft of events for everyone to enjoy!
Leeds Pride’s 20-year standing is not just a celebration of the event itself, but a commemoration of the City’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ Community. By securing significant sponsors such as Jet2 Holidays, it’s clear the organisers wanted to create a welcoming and fun environment for all those who chose to attend. It’s not an easy task putting together a City-wide event, but the 2026 celebration of Leeds Pride once again delivered a memorable and lively event!
Saturday 18th July saw the return of the wonderful Pride Parade. To see everyone cheering as they marched and held up their colourful flags was a sight that shouldn’t be taken for granted. The parade is only possible with the support and love of the Leeds Community, something that still matters so much in such uncertain times. Watching the pure joy on people’s faces gives the most euphoric feeling.
The Saturday ‘Freedom Party’ quickly became one of the weekend’s most popular events. Featuring huge headliners like Atomic Kitten’s, Natasha Hamilton and Sugababes, Amelle – this party was an unmissable hit! Along with both the main and cabaret stage, the ‘Freedom Party’ promised attendees a variety of food vendors, market stalls and a series of collaborations with local venues such as, ‘Fibre’. This was a promise that was extremely well-fulfilled!
Sunday 19th July continued the series of events with an assortment of performances from acts such as Michelle Lawson as ‘Xtina’, Dixie, Davey Stuart and Cherry West. The sheer diversity of performances and events meant there was something for everyone in all areas of the street. This also meant there was a mixture of spaces for people to inhabit if they needed a little extra breathing room or wanted to experience a different atmosphere.
With all the joyous events of Leeds Pride, it’s hard to find fault with such an accepting and open weekend. The inclusivity, kindness and diversity of Leeds Pride could never be faulted.
Leeds Pride is a staple event within the City Centre and holds a space for those in diverse and sometimes less supportive communities to shine their light.
