Birmingham Pride 2026 takes place 22-24 May. The parade starts at noon on Saturday from Centenary Square — it's free to watch.
The main festival runs Saturday and Sunday in the Gay Village on Hurst Street. Tickets available from birminghampride.com. Under 12s go free. See our full guide below for lineup, venues, transport, and accessibility info.
What is Birmingham Pride?
Birmingham Pride is one of the UK's biggest and most vibrant LGBTQ+ Pride festivals. Established in 1997, the 2026 edition marks its 29th year celebrating queer life, equality, and community in the heart of England's second city.
The weekend kicks off on Friday 22 May with a free community evening — dance party, drag showcase, no ticket price. Then the massive parade through the city centre on Saturday morning, followed by a multi-stage music festival in Birmingham's famous Gay Village on Hurst Street all weekend long. With over 75,000 spectators lining the parade route and around 40,000 festival-goers over the weekend, it's one of the biggest Pride celebrations outside London.
Whether you're a regular or visiting for the first time, this guide has everything you need to plan your Pride weekend.
First Time at Pride?
Whether you're newly out, still questioning, or just visiting Birmingham for the first time — you're welcome here. No gatekeeping, no dress code, no expectations.
You don't have to be "out"
Plenty of people come to Pride as allies, with friends, or just to check the vibe. Nobody's going to ask you to explain yourself. Come as you are.
Coming alone is fine
Loads of people do. The parade is a great place to join in — you'll be surrounded by people. Venue staff in the Gay Village are friendly and used to solo visitors.
Wear whatever you want
Rainbow flag? Go for it. Normal clothes? Also fine. Drag? Incredible. There's no right way to do Pride. Comfy shoes are a good shout though — the parade is 1.5 miles.
It's safe
Birmingham Pride has dedicated safety teams, welfare tents, and police liaison officers. The Gay Village is a well-established safe space. If anything feels off, speak to any steward.
Allies welcome
You don't need to be LGBTQ+ to attend. Straight allies, friends, and families are a big part of what makes Pride powerful. Come and celebrate with us.
Bringing kids?
The parade is family-friendly and brilliant for kids — expect colour, music, and lots of waving. Under 12s go free to the festival (book online). Under 18s must be with an adult.
Where Does the Pride Parade Go?
Saturday 23 May 2026 — Gather from 11am at Victoria Square. The parade steps off at 12 noon.
The route is approximately 1.5 miles through the city centre, taking about 45 minutes before wrapping up at the Gay Village on Hurst Street.
Official Parade Route
Victoria
Square
Gather from 11:00.
Step off at 12:00 sharp.
Gay
Village
Hurst Street.
Welcome to the festival.
An accessible route (shorter, quieter) is available — email access@birminghampride.com in advance.
Who's Performing at Birmingham Pride 2026?
Check out the massive Pride weekend lineup. For full schedules and set times, visit the official site at birminghampride.com/line-up
Saturday
- 14:00Local DJs
- 16:00MS Mace
- 17:00Sophie Lou
- 18:00Arthi
- 19:00Jaguar
- 20:00Soulqu3st
- 21:00RX B2B Misha
- 22:00Ringers & Cola B
- 23:00Sai Sounds
Sunday
- 14:00Local DJs
- 16:00Lisa Sharred B2B Yan Simonski
- 17:00Josh Aldridge
- 18:00Big Ang
- 19:00Gandalf
- 20:00DJ Jedi B2B Just Soriah
- 21:00Wiles
- 22:00Forbid
- 23:00Simon H Tribute Set
Saturday
- 15:00Samba Band
- 15:15Sandra
- 16:00Marie La Rae
- 16:30Lady Imelda
- 17:00Blu Romantic
- 17:30Dahliah Rivers
- 18:00Blanche
- 18:30Tiana Biscuit
- 19:00Shania Pain
- 19:30Tonya Kneez
- 20:00Twiggy
- 20:30Victoria Scone
- 21:00Rachel Fuller
Sunday
- 15:00Sandra
- 15:15House of Allure
- 16:00Marty
- 16:30Donna Trump
- 17:00Alanna Boden
- 17:30Pam Catz
- 18:00Gloria Love
- 18:30Polly Glamorous
- 19:00Amy Laqueefa
- 19:30Brenda Labeau
- 20:00Martha D'Arthur
- 20:30Miss Penny
- 21:00Michelle Lawson
Festival Stages
Main Stage
Live PAs, LGBTQIA+ performers, keynote speeches
Cabaret Stage
Drag royalty, burlesque, comedy
Dance Arena
DJs, queer club anthems, underground bangers
Community Stage
Local talent, activism, spoken word, grassroots
Big Free Community Event — Friday 22nd May
Kick off Pride weekend early with Birmingham Pride's free community event on the Friday night. No ticket price — just grab a free entry pass from birminghampride.com.
The Big Community Dance Party
with Just Soriah & Friends
Anzlo · CurvyBlackWitch · Eva Echo · Gareth Williams · Garry Jones · Itslia · Liam Price · Rachel Greaves · Rainbow Voices · Sapphic Panic
The Birmingham Drag Showcase
hosted by Crip Ladywood
Mama Tasty · Dr Woof · Dolls Club & more
What Events Happen During Pride Weekend?
Pride weekend events at venues across Birmingham — afterparties, brunches, viewing parties, club nights. As events are announced, they'll appear here.
Pride 2026 events coming soon
Afterparties, brunches, club nights and more will appear here as venues announce them. Follow us on Instagram for updates.
Which Venues Are Open for Pride?
The Gay Village on Hurst Street is the heart of Birmingham's LGBTQ+ scene. These are the venues you need to know for Pride weekend.
Missing Bar
First LGBT venue on Hurst Street. Drag shows, cabaret, pop DJs.
The Nightingale Club
Birmingham's oldest and most iconic LGBTQ+ club (est. 1969).
The Fox
The only LGBTQ+ venue marketing to a lesbian audience. Est. 1901.
Eden Bar
Reopened and back in the heart of the scene.
The Village Inn
Regular cabaret, drag, and a staple of the Village.
Equator Bar
Coffee by day, gin bar by night.
How Much Are Pride Tickets?
Tickets on sale now at birminghampride.com
Parade
FREE
No ticket needed — just turn up
Under 12s
FREE
Must book online. ID on the day for wristband
Day Ticket
FROM ~£30
Sat or Sun festival access
Weekend
FROM ~£50
Both days + street party
Street Party
FROM ~£10
Gay Village access only
Prices are indicative. Final pricing at birminghampride.com
BUY TICKETSHow Do I Get to Birmingham Pride?
By Train (recommended)
Birmingham New Street Station — a short walk to the Gay Village on Hurst Street. Main hub, all major operators.
By Bus
Multiple routes serve the city centre. Transport for West Midlands: 0121 214 7214 or tfwm.org.uk
By Car
Expect road closures on Pride weekend, especially along the parade route. City centre multi-storey car parks available. Plan ahead.
By Bike
Cycle routes to the city centre with secure bike parking typically available on site.
Is Birmingham Pride Accessible?
Festival site is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and flat surfaces
Accessible parade route available (shorter, quieter — pre-book recommended)
Quiet spaces and sensory-friendly areas on site
Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult at all times
For access requirements, email access@birminghampride.com — they're really helpful and want everyone to have a great time.
FAQ
When is Birmingham Pride 2026?
Friday 22 May (free community evening), then the main festival runs Saturday 23 May and Sunday 24 May 2026 in the Gay Village. Ticketed stages open across the weekend.
Is the parade free?
Yes! Completely free. Starts at 12 noon Saturday from Centenary Square. No ticket needed — just show up.
How much are tickets?
On sale at birminghampride.com. Under 12s free (must book in advance). Various tiers including day, weekend, and street party.
What's the parade route?
Centenary Square → New Street → High Street → Carrs Lane → Smallbrook Queensway → Hurst Street (Gay Village). About 1.5 miles. Accessible route also available.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Fully wheelchair accessible festival site. Accessible parade route (shorter, quieter). Quiet spaces on site. Email access@birminghampride.com with any requirements.
How do I get there?
Birmingham New Street is the nearest station — short walk to Gay Village on Hurst Street. If driving, expect road closures. Multiple bus routes serve the centre.
Can I bring children?
Under 12s go free (book online, bring ID for wristband). Under 18s must be with an adult at all times.
Hosting a Pride Event?
Running a Pride afterparty, brunch, viewing party, or any LGBTQ+ event during Pride weekend? Submit it and we'll list it here.
SUBMIT YOUR PRIDE EVENT