Leeds Pride Events 2024 – UK
Every summer, the vibrant city of Leeds bursts into colour as thousands of people come together to celebrate Leeds Pride Events UK — one of the most exciting, inclusive, and dynamic Pride celebrations in the country. Marking its 19th year in 2025, Leeds Pride has grown from a small community gathering into the largest free Pride event in the UK, symbolizing acceptance, love, and unity.
More than just a festival, Leeds Pride is an emblem of progress — a day when the streets fill with laughter, music, and rainbow flags waving in harmony. With a spectacular parade, world-class entertainment, and strong support from local government and businesses, Leeds Pride 2025 promises to be the most memorable celebration yet.
The Heart of Date and Venue
The much-anticipated Leeds Pride 2025 will take place on Sunday, 20 July 2025, transforming the city centre into a kaleidoscope of colour, joy, and music. From Millennium Square to Lower Briggate, Leeds will come alive with community spirit, love, and pride.
This year’s festival is expected to attract over 60,000 people, creating an atmosphere of unity that extends across the entire city. From early morning gatherings to late-night parties, every corner of Leeds will be buzzing with energy and inclusivity.
A Record-Breaking Legacy
Leeds Pride has continuously raised the bar. The 2024 event welcomed more than 80,000 visitors, 160+ parade entries, and 238 supporting businesses, marking its biggest year ever. The success of last year’s event set the stage for an even grander 2025 celebration, with organisers promising more floats, more music, and more pride.
Star-Studded Line-Up: Music, Energy, and Fun
One of the main attractions of Leeds Pride Events UK is its spectacular entertainment lineup. This year, the organisers have announced an exciting mix of pop icons, live performers, and dance acts that are sure to light up the main stages.
Main Stage Performers
Headlining the Millennium Square main stage will be the chart-topping band Liberty X, known for their early-2000s hits that continue to energize fans today. Joining them will be The Cartoons, bringing nostalgic fun to the crowd, alongside the dazzling Queenz – The Show, direct from the West End, blending drag, vocals, and theatrical flair.
The lineup also features powerhouse performers Kelly Llorenna and Booty Luv, known for their dance-floor anthems that never fail to get audiences moving.
Leeds Pride 2025 Main Stage Line-Up
| Performer / Act | Notable Songs / Acts | Stage Location |
| Liberty X | Just a Little, Got to Have Your Love | Millennium Square |
| The Cartoons | Witch Doctor, DooDah! | Millennium Square |
| Queenz – The Show | Drag Vocal Performance (West End) | Millennium Square |
| Kelly Llorenna | Set You Free, Tell It to My Heart | Lower Briggate |
| Booty Luv | Boogie 2Nite, Some Kinda Rush | Lower Briggate |
Pre-Festival Launch
The 2025 line-up was unveiled at the Harvey Nichols pre-festival launch, attended by key figures including the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, and television personalities such as Ash Palmisciano and Natalie Ann Jamieson from Emmerdale. The event marked the official countdown to Pride and celebrated the ongoing partnership between Leeds Pride and its sponsors.
Highlights and Attractions at Leeds Pride 2025
The Pride Parade
The heartbeat of the festival is the Leeds Pride Parade, kicking off at 12:15 PM on Sunday opposite Leeds Town Hall. The parade weaves its way through the bustling city centre, showcasing colourful floats, dazzling costumes, and powerful messages of love and equality. Community groups, charities, and businesses march side by side, celebrating the diversity that defines modern Leeds.
Festival Zones and Stages
Leeds Pride features two main entertainment zones — Millennium Square and Lower Briggate — each with its own distinct atmosphere. Millennium Square hosts the main stage performances, speeches, and official ceremonies, while Lower Briggate becomes the city’s ultimate dance floor, alive with music and community energy.
The Viaduct Street Party
One of the most anticipated after-events is the Viaduct Street Party, a long-standing tradition that transforms the area around the Viaduct Showbar into a lively open-air celebration of dance, music, and togetherness.
The Leeds Pride Ball at Bibis
A glamorous new addition for 2025 is the Leeds Pride Ball at Bibis, taking place on Friday, 11 July. This event features fine dining, live entertainment, and a night of elegance, marking the official start of Pride festivities.
Eat Pride, Drink Pride Wristbands
Festival-goers can purchase exclusive Eat Pride, Drink Pride wristbands online for just £5. These wristbands unlock discounts at selected restaurants, cafes, and bars across Leeds — the perfect way to enjoy the city while supporting local businesses.
Leeds Pride 2025 Key Events and Highlights
| Event Name | Date / Time | Location | Description |
| Parade | 20 July – 12:15 PM | Leeds City Centre | Colourful parade with 160+ entries |
| Main Stage Performances | 20 July – All Day | Millennium Square | Headline acts and live music |
| Viaduct Street Party | 20 July – Evening | Lower Briggate | Outdoor celebration and DJ sets |
| Leeds Pride Ball | 11 July – Evening | Bibis Italianissimo | Formal dinner and entertainment |
| Eat Pride, Drink Pride | Throughout July | Citywide | Discounts for food & drinks |
Inclusivity at the Core: Leeds City Council’s Support
Leeds Pride is not just a festival — it’s a movement. The city’s commitment to inclusion and equality is reinforced through the LGBT+ Inclusive Leeds plan (2024–2029), a framework launched by Leeds City Council to ensure the city remains safe, welcoming, and diverse.
The Council’s Commitment
The council first announced its goal to make Leeds an LGBT+ inclusive city in 2018, and since then, it has worked tirelessly with community groups to turn this vision into reality. The council’s LGBT+ Hub acts as a bridge between the community, local government, and private sector, providing a space for feedback, discussion, and collaborative action.
For those interested in learning more, details of the council’s inclusivity efforts can be found at the official LGBT+ Hub | Leeds.gov.uk.
Anti-Discrimination and Equality Campaigns
In addition to supporting Pride, Leeds City Council runs ongoing campaigns to combat homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia across the city. Councillor Fiona Venner, Executive Member for Equality, Health, and Wellbeing, recently stated:
“We love seeing everyone coming together for Pride in Leeds. It’s a brilliant celebration of equality and our vibrant LGBT+ community. As always, we are working hard to make Leeds a truly inclusive city for all.”
Accessibility and Inclusion at Leeds Pride
Leeds Pride continues to set the standard for accessibility and inclusion among UK festivals. Every year, organisers take steps to ensure that all visitors — regardless of ability — can fully participate and enjoy the event.
Accessibility Features for 2025
- Accessible Viewing Areas (AVA): Located in Millennium Square and Lower Briggate for disabled attendees and their carers.
- Changing Places Toilets: Facilities near AVAs for those with complex needs.
- Permanent Accessible Toilets: Available under Millennium Square and throughout the city centre.
- Access Bus: A specially provided vehicle by the council that participates in the parade, ensuring inclusivity for all.
These features reflect the festival’s ongoing mission: to make Leeds Pride Events UK accessible, enjoyable, and welcoming for everyone.
Partnerships and Sponsorship: Jet2holidays Leads the Way
The 2025 Leeds Pride event once again welcomes Jet2holidays as its headline sponsor, marking their second consecutive year supporting the festival. As one of the UK’s largest tour operators and a major local employer, Jet2holidays’ involvement strengthens the event’s reach and reinforces corporate support for diversity.
A Message from the Sponsor
Gavin Forth, Marketing and Digital Director at Jet2holidays, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership:
“Jet2holidays is proud to support Leeds Pride 2025 as headline sponsor for the second year running. It’s fantastic to celebrate the diversity of our city, and we can’t wait for this year’s celebrations.”
Community Impact
Beyond corporate sponsorship, Leeds Pride thrives on the dedication of volunteers, small businesses, and community organisations. Local shops, cafes, and pubs proudly display rainbow flags and participate in the celebrations, turning the entire city centre into a festival zone.
Economic and Cultural Impact of Leeds Pride
Leeds Pride plays a vital role in boosting the local economy, attracting thousands of visitors who spend across the hospitality, transport, and retail sectors. The 2024 event alone contributed significantly to tourism, with hotels fully booked weeks in advance.
But the impact extends beyond economics — it’s cultural, emotional, and deeply social. Leeds Pride provides a visible platform for LGBT+ voices, strengthens community bonds, and showcases Leeds as a beacon of inclusivity.
Statements from Organisers
Terry George, Leeds Pride spokesperson, summed up the city’s spirit perfectly:
“Preparations for this year’s Pride are in full swing. We were overwhelmed by last year’s record-breaking event and the electric atmosphere. With Jet2holidays on board again, we’re excited to deliver an even better festival this year.”
How to Get Involved
Whether you’re a local business, a performer, or an ally, there are countless ways to participate in Leeds Pride Events UK.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the backbone of the event — helping with logistics, accessibility, crowd support, and sustainability efforts. Those interested can sign up via the official Leeds Pride website.
Sponsorship and Partnerships
Businesses can show their support by sponsoring parade floats, event zones, or accessibility services. This partnership not only promotes equality but also connects brands with thousands of attendees.
Attend and Celebrate
Simply showing up to celebrate, wave a flag, or cheer on parade participants is a meaningful act of support. Leeds Pride is free and open to everyone — all you need is enthusiasm and an open heart.
Leeds Pride’s Role in Promoting Equality Across the UK
Leeds Pride is more than just an annual event — it’s part of a larger movement that celebrates equality, love, and visibility across the United Kingdom. The event has inspired similar celebrations in nearby cities and continues to foster collaborations among regional Pride organisers.
By combining music, culture, and activism, Leeds Pride has become a platform for awareness and change — reminding everyone that Pride is not just a party but a promise to keep fighting for acceptance and rights.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Leeds Pride
As Leeds Pride enters its 19th year, its vision remains crystal clear: to continue growing as a free, inclusive, and world-class Pride festival that celebrates every individual’s right to be proud of who they are. With strong leadership, community support, and ongoing inclusivity efforts, the future of Leeds Pride shines as brightly as its rainbow flags.
Organisers promise more surprises, new acts, and even greater participation in the coming years. Leeds Pride is not only keeping up with the times — it’s helping shape the future of Pride celebrations across the UK.
FAQs About Leeds Pride Events UK
When is Leeds Pride 2025?
Leeds Pride 2025 will take place on Sunday, 20 July 2025 in Leeds city centre, with pre-events like the Pride Ball occurring earlier in July.
How much does it cost to attend Leeds Pride?
Leeds Pride is completely free to attend, making it the largest free Pride celebration in the UK.
Who is performing at Leeds Pride 2025?
Headline acts include Liberty X, The Cartoons, Queenz – The Show, Kelly Llorenna, and Booty Luv, among others.
What accessibility services are available?
Accessible viewing areas, changing places toilets, and a council-provided access bus ensure inclusivity for everyone.
How can I volunteer or sponsor the event?
Interested individuals and businesses can visit the official Leeds Pride website or contact the event organisers directly for opportunities.
Conclusion
Leeds Pride Events UK stands as a beacon of inclusivity, diversity, and love — a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we can go together. With its record-breaking crowds, diverse lineup, and unwavering community support, Leeds Pride 2025 will once again show the world that Leeds is not just a city — it’s a family.
From the rainbow flags fluttering above the streets to the smiling faces of thousands united in pride, this event continues to inspire hope, courage, and joy. As preparations ramp up for this year’s festivities, one thing is certain: Leeds Pride 2025 will be bigger, brighter, and bolder than ever before.
