Although Liverpool can lay claim to holding of the earliest Pride events in the UK, back in 1979, it wasn’t until 2010 that the city first started hosting yearly official Pride festivals. It has since grown to become one of the biggest free Pride festivals across all of Europe.
Liverpool Pride is held each year in August, on the weekend closest to the 2nd of August. A lively and fun-filled event, the aims are actually very serious – to promote equality and diversity, educate and inform people, stamp out discrimination towards members of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community, and empower LGBT people. The event also remembers Michael Causer, an eighteen-year-old local man who was brutally attacked in 2008. The attack was based on his sexual orientation, and resulted in his death.
Lasting for two days, the festival kicks off with a grand parade. Show your support for equality for all, and have heaps of fun at the same time, at the vivacious Liverpool Pride.
Dress for the theme!
Each year has a different theme, and visitors are encouraged to dress according to the theme. Of course, this isn’t compulsory, and many people choose to wear their regular clothes, but it does add to the carnival-like air and sense of unity.
The first Liverpool Pride, in 2010, was called the “Rainbow Circus”, with many people opting to wear colourful colours and display the rainbow with, well, pride! The rainbow, sometimes also called the Freedom Flag, is commonly used as a symbol of gay pride, made popular in the late 1970s.
In 2011, Liverpool’s Pride was called the “Summer of Love”, with “Nautical But Nice” the following year, “Superheroes” in 2013, “Glam Fairytales” in 2014, and “Love Is No Crime” in 2015.
One of Liverpool’s most flamboyant and energetic summer events, make an effort to don your wildest interpretations of the year’s theme!
Head to one of the stages for live music and entertainment
Stages are set up around parts of the city, largely around Pier Head, St George’s Hall, and the Gay Quarter, where you can enjoy a diverse assortment of music and acts. Popular “gay anthems” blare, drag queens (and kings!) keep the crowds entertained, with plenty of comedic catty and cutting comments thrown in for good measure, and there are workshops, stalls, live speakers, and more to enjoy. You definitely won’t be bored!
Grab a drink from one of the mobile bars or pop into one of the pubs and restaurants
Several temporary bars and food stalls set up in the festivals areas, meaning that you can launch yourself into the party-like atmosphere with gusto. You’ll notice that most drinks are served in plastic glasses and bottles – this is to prevent broken glass from being a hazard on the streets. Visitors are not allowed to take their own alcoholic drinks to the festival.
There are also many bars, pubs, and restaurants that, whilst lively at other times of the year, are positively pumping throughout Liverpool Pride. Many of the big-name gay-friendly establishments can be found around the Stanley Street and Dale Street area, with The Lisbon, Navy Bar, G-Bar, and Masquerade all recommended, particularly as days turns into night and you want to continue the fun!
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Watch a colourful balloon release
The sight of hundreds of balloons in all the colours of the rainbow floating across Liverpool’s skies is quite an impressive sight. Along with the main opening parade and the sombre Michael Causer vigil (held on the Sunday of Liverpool Pride weekend), the balloon release is one of the most symbolic parts of the festival. Do note, however, that not every year includes a balloon release. If there is one though, make sure that you don’t miss it!
Liverpool Tour Guide
Marc Hughes
Hi I'm Marc! I was a tour guide for 6 years at Liverpool FC and I also spent 2 years as a guide on the LFC city explorer bus. I am very proud of my city and I love sharing my passion for Liverpool with new people. Liverpool is famous for its hospitality and I am no exception to that. While you're here you're one of us! Whether it be The Beatles, football, ships or historic buildings, Liverpool... Read more
Tours by Marc
Enjoy Chill Out Sunday
Whilst the most extravagant and wildly wonderful festival events take place on the Saturday of Liverpool Pride, the Sunday, known as Chill Out Sunday offers laid-back fun … for those who can make it out of bed! With sporting events, workshops, cultural events, art, and more, it caters to diverse interests and tastes.
With the exception of the Ball and Chain Fundraiser, raising money for the registered charity of Liverpool Pride, all of the events and activities throughout Liverpool Pride are free to enjoy. Don’t be afraid of taking the kids either – whilst there are some eye-popping sights around the city, there is a designated family area, close to St George’s Hall, where you can teach your little ones more about tolerance, inclusion, equality, and social cohesion at the same time as having a great day out.
Liverpool Pride Festival is perhaps one of the city’s most important and meaningful festivals, and, it’s fabulous! Book your visit to the UK’s fantastic city of Liverpool to experience all the wild joy of the festival.
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