(Credit: Pride London Festival)
This year, the event will spotlight local bands and artists emphasizing community engagement over outside headliners.
The 10-day event, culminating with the London Pride Parade on July 21 will feature diverse activities and continue to promote respect while honoring what previous groups have built. “We are celebrating how far we have come, and how generations before us have made it possible for us to be here today,” says Michelle Paradis, Acting President of the Pride London Festival.
(Credit: Pride London Festival)
The organizers acknowledge the ongoing need to advocate for inclusion and resilience, ensuring their voices are heard. “We have progressed because of others who have fought very hard for our rights, but we still have a lot of fighting to do, and a lot of standing up for ourselves and our community, which is something that we should remember not only during the festival but also year-round.”
(Credit: Michelle Paradis)
“The advantage is that it’s a safe space for everyone in this community to come out. It is a kind of protest, and the parade is still a protest for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community’s rights, with that being said, we are not protesting for privileges but for the ability to be ourselves within this world and society,” she adds.
(Credit: Pride London Fest)
According to Paradis, challenges persist amidst the anniversary, and it is crucial to maintain unity and solidarity to remind of the ongoing mission. “The press will bring a very inclusive environment for everyone within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, including allies. It is an event where people can authentically be themselves, support and love one another, and stand up for their beliefs.”
The festival kicks off at 6 p.m. with an art show on Thursday, July 11, at TAP Centre for Creativity followed by Pride London´s Award Show at The Well bar at 7. The festivities will be held in LGBT-friendly shops, streets, and at some venues such as Springbank Gardens, Bandshell in the Park, and Victoria Park.
