“Pride in London is not only a celebration of the LGBT+ community, it’s a celebration of the city itself”
Showcasing the full spectrum of London and its LGBT+ communities, this year’s London Pride festival will celebrate the true diversity of London’s art, history, theatre, film and music from June 24 – July 9. The theme of the Pride parade on Saturday, July 8 is Love Happens Here.
The official opening will take place at Tate Britain to celebrate their major new exhibition Queer & Now.
More than 60 new and returning events are expected to be a part of the two-week festival throughout the city, with highlights including:
♦ A Big Gay Iftaar, bringing together the Muslim and LGBT+ communities to open a fast together during Ramadan
♦ Cheeky historical tours of Soho with Saucy Soho Tours, a guided tour looking at characters who’ve lived and loved down Soho’s streets.
♦ City Dash Game, a high-energy, immersive treasure hunt specifically themed for the festival and LGBT+ Picnic in the Park, a special Pride picnic with entertainment from local favourites Shkembe Soup and Broken Swing Band
♦ Celebrating the 21st Anniversary of London’s Gay Symphony Orchestra, the UK’s oldest LGBT+ orchestra will be performing in St John’s Smith Square, featuring Russian classics as well as a new commission from Michael Finnissy.
♦ For under 18s Pride Prom 2017 will provide an evening of entertainment from LGBT+ performers and DJs in a healthy and safe environment
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “London’s LGBT+ community is one of the largest in the world, and I was proud to lead last year’s Pride march and to be Mayor of a city that doesn’t just tolerate diversity, but truly embraces and celebrates it. This year’s Pride in London programme reflects the full spectrum of the capital’s LGBT+ community and I urge all Londoners to immerse themselves in the festivities, proudly wave the rainbow flag and make this year’s Pride in London the biggest and most colourful yet.”
Peter Flynn from Pride in London added: “Pride in London is not only a celebration of the LGBT+ community, it’s a celebration of the city itself. London is one of the most diverse, welcoming and accepting cities in the world and we’re proud to be part of it, and we’re delighted to work with Visit London. Pride in London strives to be a beacon to the rest of the world, and hope people from across the U.K. and beyond will come to London this year and join the celebrations.”
Visitlondon.com, London’s official guide to the city, is the digital home and partner for this year’s festival. A dedicated website visitlondon/Pride-in-London will launch on May 19 to provide information and inspiration for visitors to the festival and parade day.
For more information about Pride in London, click here: