Leeds Prepares to Mark 20 Years of Pride Celebration

Leeds Prepares to Mark 20 Years of Pride Celebration

July 15, 2026 Off By

Leeds City Council and community ready for annual Pride parade

Leeds is set to host its 20th official Pride event on Sunday 19 July 2026, with expectations of over 60,000 attendees. The city centre will be transformed by a colourful parade and a range of activities celebrating two decades of Pride since its inception in 2006.

History and significance of Leeds Pride

The first official Leeds Pride event took place in August 2006, supported by Leeds City Council and local businesses. Around 6,500 people gathered to mark a significant milestone for LGBT+ visibility and celebration in the city. Since then, the event has grown considerably, becoming one of the largest Pride celebrations in the UK.

Event details and accessibility

  • The parade will start at 12:30pm opposite Leeds Town Hall and proceed down to Lower Briggate.
  • Leeds City Council will provide an access bus to ensure the event is inclusive; spaces on the bus must be booked in advance.
  • There will be raised accessible viewing platforms (Accessible Viewing Areas or AVAs) at Millennium Square and Lower Briggate, reserved for disabled people and their carers.
  • Accessible toilet facilities, including changing places toilets, will be available near the AVAs and in permanent provision under Millennium Square.

Council’s ongoing commitment to LGBT+ inclusion

In 2024, Leeds City Council launched the LGBT+ Inclusive Leeds plan for 2024-2029, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the LGBT+ community. The council operates an LGBT+ hub which acts as a forum for community members to engage with council services, statutory and voluntary partners, and the business sector to influence policies and services.

Councillor Emma Flint, executive member for equality, adults and health, commented on the event: “We’re proud to be the host city of one of the largest Pride events in the UK, and every year we just love seeing so many people come together to celebrate equality and our vibrant LGBT+ community. We know that the community faces inequalities and discrimination and we continue to work hard for Leeds to be a truly LGBT+ safe and inclusive city.”

Further information

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