Bristol Pride is so much more than just a parade and a party. Every year, the LGBTQ+ celebration throws two weeks of eclectic events in anticipation of the big day (running from Saturday, June 27 to Sunday, July 12), and its vibrant programme spanning the whole city has now been revealed.
Alongside the already announced Pride Day line-up (Saturday, July 11), the wider programme offers a mix of events—including comedy, circus, live performance and community celebrations, as well as an official after party headlined by DJ and global phenomenon, Jodie Harsh.
What are the highlights of Bristol Pride?
Kicking off the festival, the much-loved Pride Bingo Boat Party returns to the harbourside on Saturday, June 27, for a lively, drag-hosted cruise with games, performances and plenty of surprises. While the ever-popular Pride Dog Show will return to Castle Park on Saturday, July 4—with categories for Waggiest Tail, Best Trick and a game of Musical Sit.
Elsewhere, the programme continues with the return of Pride Circus Night at Bristol’s centre for contemporary circus and physical theatre, Circomedia, on Thursday, July 2. The one-night-only event is a showcase of boundary-pushing LGBTQ+ circus performers from around the world, combining acrobatics, comedy and spectacle.
Then on Friday, July 3, the Bristol Pride Ceilidh will take over The Lantern at Bristol Beacon, welcoming everyone from seasoned dancers to first-timers. While the Queer Vision Film Festival returns with a special 30th Anniversary screening of ‘The Birdcage’ on Saturday, July 4, on Bristol’s largest cinema screen, The Megascreen (Former IMAX) at Bristol Aquarium.
The fortnight of events will also see improv theatre, LGBTQ+ sports events, choir performances, a gaming day, a special Pride edition of Drag Dungeoneers and one of the biggest events of the festival, the Bristol Pride Comedy Night at Bristol Old Vic on Thursday. July 9, hosted by Bristol icon Jayde Adams and featuring a line-up of leading LGBTQ+ comedians, such as ‘Taskmaster’ series 13 winner Sophie Duker.
What about Pride Day itself?
An expected 40,000 people will participate in the free-to-join Parade March through the city centre on Saturday, July 11. Crowds will then gather on The Downs for the Main Pride Day celebrations—headlined by global disco icons Sister Sledge, joined by Jason Donovan in the Afternoon Legend slot, alongside a much-loved Cabaret Stage with a line-up led by RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Myki Meeks and Catrin Feelings.
And an afterparty?
As day turns to night, the celebrations will continue with The Official Bristol Pride Afterparty, taking over O2 Academy Bristol for a multi-room club event featuring DJs, performers and dancers. This year’s party is headlined by international DJ and producer Jodie Harsh, alongside sets from DTYM, Disco Wonderland and Mutual Vibes, along with special guest performers.
To get your tickets and see the full Bristol Pride event listings, head here.
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