By Leah Simons
In just over a month’s time, the streets of Liverpool, always packed with the bustle of everyday life, will also be full of celebration as Pride takes over the city.
From the 24th to 25th of July, events will take place across the whole of the city, bringing together Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ community for a weekend of music, entertainment and, most importantly, joy.
The weekend will see the second year of collaboration between LCR Pride Foundation and local LGBTQ+ charity Sahir House, and this years’ Pride is already shaping up to be much different from last year’s. Just 12 months ago, financial constraints threatened Pride’s future. Initially, 2025’s Pride had to be cancelled, but, with support, and newfound partnership with Sahir House, a smaller scale event was reshaped in just six weeks.
LCR Pride Foundation’s director James Doherty said: “The real significance is that this is not about ownerships or logos – it’s about collaboration. Pride is strongest when it reflects the community it exists to serve, and this partnership helps bring together experience, trust, lived understanding and practical delivery.”
Sahir House Trustee Mark Christopherson added: “We’re delighted to be working alongside the LCR Pride Foundation. The partnership is about more than putting on an event – it’s about creating spaces where people feel welcome, represented and celebrated.”
This year will see the return of a full-scale programme. The Friday night will see the M&S Bank Arena host an ‘Opening Party’ headlined by Sugababes, and featuring appearances from Bimini, Beth Ditto and Tia Kofi, with tickets starting from £42. Across the city, there are numerous events, such as Garlands’ ‘Fairies On The Mersey,’ a tribute to Liverpool’s famous LGBTQ+ nightclub, Sapphic Socials’ ‘Pride on the Roof’, and ‘Sonic Yootha’s‘ monthly “dislocated disco”, with even more set be announced over the coming weeks.
At Liverpool’s LEX, the Community Expo will offer LGBTQ+ businesses, charities and brands the chance to work together as guests can visit stalls, get information and support local vendors. The annual Pride March will also take place on the Saturday, which sees thousands walk through the city in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Starting at 10am from Clayton Square, crowds will make their way through Liverpool, ending their journey at Lord Street. Sign up is optional but recommended.
Video: Pride In Liverpool 2026 locations
On the weekend, Doherty said: “Pride gives people visibility, and that really matters. For some people, attending Pride is the first time they feel able to be fully themselves in public. For others, it is a moment of connection, remembrance or solidarity. The impact is not just in the size of the march or the number of people attending — it is in the feeling that LGBTQ+ people belong here.”
Christopherson added: “Pride is incredibly important because it gives people a chance to be themselves without fear, judgement, or apology. For many LGBTQ+ people, seeing thousands of others standing together in celebration and solidarity can be a powerful reminder that they belong. It’s also important to remember that Pride began as a protest, and while we’ve made significant progress, there are still challenges facing LGBTQ+ communities today. Pride gives us an opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come, while also shining a light on the work that still needs to be done.”
For more information on events and how you can get involved, visit Pride in Liverpool | LCR Pride. There are also many ways can support Pride if you can’t make it to Liverpool. By donating to LCR Pride Foundation and Sahir House, Liverpool Pride can continue to provide a hub of inclusion and expression for the LGBTQ+ community.
Listen: Leah Simons explores the history of Liverpool Pride
