Bristol Pride 2023, Gay Pride in Bristol
Bristol Pride is returning this year with a 2 week festival from 24 June to 9 July 2023. The highlight of the festivities is the official Pride Day on July 8th. Take advantage of this event to discover the very best of Bristol at your own pace on board a Tootbus panoramic bus!
What is the history of the Bristol Pride?
Bristol Pride is an annual event dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and advocating for diversity and inclusion. Since its inception in 1991, Bristol Pride has been held consistently each year, becoming one of the oldest Pride events in the UK. The festival encompasses a range of activities, including a vibrant parade that winds through the city centre, along with a diverse lineup of events such as music performances, workshops, and instructive booths.
Over the years, Bristol Pride has evolved into a multi-faceted celebration, featuring a parade, a free community festival, live music, dance and cabaret performances, comedy shows, poetry and spoken word presentations, community stalls, and an exalting after-party. The event is organised by the Bristol Pride Community Interest Company, a non-profit organisation committed to promoting equality and diversity within the city of Bristol.
Bristol Pride serves not only as a joyous gathering for the LGBTQ+ community but also as a platform for raising awareness about the challenges that still impact LGBTQ+ individuals. It serves as a catalyst for campaigning towards greater acceptance and equality. The event has experienced remarkable growth over the years, drawing thousands of attendees from across the nation and even internationally.
What are the events of the Bristol Pride?
Bristol Pride is making a triumphant return this year with two weeks of events running from June onwards. The festival’s exciting programme of events will take place at various venues across Bristol, infusing the city with the vibrant spirit of Pride and providing support to the heavily impacted sectors, especially venues serving the LGBT+ community.
The Cabaret Stage will showcase an impressive roster of drag performers, including the fabulous Ra'jah O'hara from RuPaul's Drag Race, as well as Tia Kofi, Son of a Tutu, Dominique Fleek, and many others. For those seeking a unique experience, the Get Qweird stage will offer a dynamic blend of high-energy musical numbers, storytelling, poetry, dance, circus acts, puppetry, and drag performances.
The festival will also feature a dance performance stage, a pride circus tent, a dedicated family and youth area, a wellbeing zone, and a diverse sensory calm space. As the evening progresses, the circus tent will transform into a silent disco starting at 6pm.
Join in the Pride March, which will culminate at the official Pride site, where you can immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere. The parade traditionally starts from Castle Park and ends at The Downs.
Bristol Pride Day 2023, the pinnacle of the festival, will take place on Saturday 8 July. The event features multiple stages and attracts renowned artists such as Jake Shears, Natalie Imbruglia, Nadine Coyle, Alison Limerick, Sophie and the Giants, Ladyhawke, Denise Pearson, Rhythm of the 90's, and the Dolly Parton Experience will take the main stage by storm.
In 2022, record-breaking numbers attended Bristol Pride, with over 19,000 participants in the Parade March and 40,000 people at the main festival on The Downs, featuring performances from over 100 artists, including a headline set from international superstar Carly Rae Jepsen.
The official Pride Afterparty takes place at the renowned Bristol O2 Academy from 10pm to 4am on July 8th. With three incredible rooms hosting DJs and performers like The Shapeshifters, Guilty Pleasures, R&SHE, and aerial hoop artist Alexa, this is an event not to be missed.
Bristol Pride offers Supporter Wristbands, and a £4 donation will be requested at the entrance. Supporter Wristbands provide perks such as free bus travel on the day, discounts at participating bars and venues, and dedicated access lanes to beat the queues. You can also purchase a wristband specifically for the Pride Afterparty.
Between historical museums, maritime heritage, street art and activities, Bristol is a vibrant and creative cultural city located just a few miles from Bath. Take advantage of the Tootbus tour to discover the city and check out our selection of the best restaurants in Bristol.