After months of planning Pride in London is here and this Saturday ( 7 Jul) sees the big, glittery day. All over London and all over the weekend LGBT+ people and venues of every kind will be celebrating in many different ways. Here’s a look at what you need to know for the Parade and Trafalgar Square Main Stage, while elsewhere in this special Pride issue you will find lots more information about Pride events and what your favourite venues have planned. Please remember to take care, drink some water and have a very happy Pride!
The Parade
Starts at midday
The Parade is the beating heart of Pride in London and this year more people and organisations are taking part than ever before. The world will be watching as thousands of LGBT+ people showcase just what queer London is made of. Political groups, health organisations, LGBT+ military and police, disabled groups, bars, clubs, theatres and so much more in a joyous and passionate display with floats and more. The Parade will start at midday just north of Oxford Circus and make its way down Regent Street through Piccadilly to end up in Trafalgar Square. Get to the route early to make sure you don’t miss out.
Trafalgar Square
Starts at 11.45am
The gigantic rally and show in Trafalgar Square is right at the centre of Pride in London, and is a whole afternoon and evening of amazing entertainment and speeches from all areas of the LGBT+ world. Hosted by Pride’s Got Talent’s very own Michael Twaits, there really is something for everyone. Here’s just a few of the highlights – you can get a full rundown at the Pride website.
11.45am Welcome by Michael Twaits followed by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra.
12.25pm The cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jame followed by Grindr: The Opera from Above The Stag Theatre, Sum Ting Wong and Son of a Tutu.
1.15pm An amazing selection of bands and performers from Pride’s Got Talent music.
2.35pm The Pride in London Board followed by Sadie Sinner and Mzz Kimberley.
3.10pm Sophie Ellis-Bextor followed by E-Talon, Gay Men’s Dance Company, and Busty & Ginger.
4.20pm Courtney Act followed by London Gay Big Band, SuRie, LGMC, Sinitta, Toby Corton, LMR and more to be announced.
7.05pm Alyssa Edwards followed by the Beyoncé Experience and the winner of Drag Idol 2018.
There’s much more to Pride than just the Parade and Trafalgar Square with the whole of Soho and large chunks of the West End turned into the gayest place on Earth for the day. Here’s a taste of what’s on offer, plus don’t forget UK Black Pride is on Sunday (8 Jul).
The Cabaret Stage on Dean Street
12.15pm – 7.30pm
The Cabaret Stage is right bang in the middle of Soho and features some amazing acts including hosts Kara Van Park, Stephanie Von Clitz, Son of a Tutu, Sum Ting Wong and Vinegar Strokes plus many acts from this year’s Pride’s Got Talent and Drag Idol and much more.
Diva’s Women’s Stage in Leicester Stage
12.30pm – 7.30pm
The Woman’s Stage is presented with Diva magazine and has an impressive line up of talent including Heather Peace, Betty and Sinitta and many more performers.
Soho Square Community Village and Golden Square Family Stage
1pm – 7.30pm
There really is something for everyone at Pride this year and Soho Square is home to stalls from many health and community organisations, while Golden Square has entertainment for all the family, including cabaret acts such as Miss Terry Tour and Heart & Soul, plus it’s a great place to escape the madness of the rest of Soho and relax.
UK Black Pride at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens [waiting for pic]
Sunday 8 July, midday – late
UK Black Pride 2018 celebrates all black LGBT+ people and allies. It’s a free festival of food, culture and music happening next door to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. There will be performers of every kind, speakers and much more including food stalls and loads to enjoy. It’s a brilliant way to spend your Pride Sunday.
Get full details at prideinlondon.org or download the Pride in London app.
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