Liverpool’s Pride is set to return as one of the UK’s standout LGBTQ+ events this summer, as organisers unveil a significantly expanded, city-wide programme designed to attract visitors from across the country.
Following the widely reported cancellation of last year’s event and a rapid six-week recovery effort to deliver a scaled-back celebration, Liverpool’s Pride 2026 marks a major comeback, evolving into a full weekend festival spanning headline music performances, community celebration, and city-wide activity.
At a time when Pride events across the UK are facing increasing financial pressures and cancellations, Liverpool’s Pride represents a positive national success story demonstrating resilience, growth and renewed ambition within the Pride movement.
Taking place across 24–25 July, the weekend will transform Liverpool into a major Pride destination, with organisers expecting thousands of attendees from across the UK.
Headline arena show launches city-wide celebration
The weekend will begin with a major opening party at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena on Friday 24 July, featuring iconic acts including Sugababes, Beth Ditto, Bimini, Tia Kofi, House Gospel Choir and Horse Meat Disco all line up alongside dozens of leading Liverpool LGBTQ+ Community performers, who will be announced during Pride Month, marking one of the UK’s most exciting Pride line-ups outside London.
The scale of the opening event signals Liverpool’s growing status as a must-visit Pride destination for music fans and LGBTQ+ audiences alike. Proceeds from the Official Opening Party will support the vital work of Sahir House for the LGBTQ+ community, while also contributing to Liverpool’s Pride Saturday programme
A city-wide Pride experience
Liverpool’s Pride 2026 will extend far beyond a single event, with activity taking place across the city centre, from the Pride March and community programming to nightlife, cultural events and grassroots performances.
For one weekend, Liverpool will become a fully immersive Pride destination, combining large-scale entertainment with the city’s renowned LGBTQ+ scene and inclusive community spirit.
Pride March remains at the heart of the weekend
The much anticipated Pride March will once again take centre stage on Saturday 25 July, bringing thousands together in a visible show of solidarity and support for LGBTQ+ communities.
Participants from across the UK are encouraged to sign up and take part:
https://prideinliverpool.co.uk/march/
Community and culture at the core
Alongside major headline events, Liverpool’s Pride will deliver a vibrant community programme on Saturday 25 July at Liverpool Experience Campus on the city’s waterfront.
Hosted by Debbie Darling, the event will showcase LGBTQ+ talent and voices, with performances including House of Suarez, Sonia and Jester Boy, alongside further special guests.
Expo and city connectivity
The Liverpool’s Pride Expo will bring together businesses, creatives and community organisations, creating a hub for connection, visibility and celebration.
To support the expanded programme, dedicated transport will operate across the Pride Quarter, making it easier than ever for visitors to explore key venues including The Lisbon, OMG, Superstar Boudoir, Heaven, The Masquerade and GBar.
A destination Pride for visitors
With its compact city centre, rich cultural heritage and nationally recognised LGBTQ+ nightlife, Liverpool offers a distinctive Pride experience that combines accessibility with scale.
Visitors can expect:
· A major arena headline show
· A large-scale Pride March
· Community-led programming
· A thriving Pride Quarter and nightlife scene
· A walkable, well-connected city centre
Mark Christopherson, on behalf of organisers Sahir, said:
“Liverpool’s Pride 2026 represents a huge step forward - not just for the city, but as part of the wider UK Pride landscape. Following last year’s challenges, we’ve worked hard to rebuild something bigger, more inclusive and more ambitious. We’re proud to invite people from across the country to come and experience Liverpool at its very best.”
James Doherty, on behalf of organisers LCR Pride Foundation, said:
“Pride is a protest, a celebration, and a promise to our community. This year, we are making good on that promise. By bringing together the best of the region’s organisations and voices, we are building a Pride that doesn't just look past yesterday's hurdles, but actively builds a stronger, more united tomorrow.”
Liverpool’s Pride event listings (at a glance)
Liverpool’s Pride Opening Party
Friday 24 July | M&S Bank Arena
Tickets: https://lexliverpool.com/whats-on/liverpools-pride-opening-party/
Liverpool’s Pride – Saturday programme
Saturday 25 July | Liverpool Experience Campus & city-wide
Tickets: https://mandsbankarena.com/whats-on/liverpools-pride/
Liverpool’s Pride Expo
Saturday 25 July | Liverpool Experience Campus
https://prideinliverpool.co.uk/expo-2026-vendor-booking/
Pride March (organised by LCR Pride Foundation)
Saturday 25 July
Register: https://prideinliverpool.co.uk/march/
Other event listings (at a glance)
Sonic Yootha at Kitchen Street
Saturday 25th July, 9pm-4am
https://www.instagram.com/sonicyootha/
Garlands - Fairies Across the Mersey - The Daffodil,
Saturday 25th July, 6pm-Midnight (SOLD OUT, Join waiting list)
https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Liverpool/Daffodil-Liverpool/Garlands---Fairies-On-The-Mersey/42447101/
Sapphic Social - Pride on the Roof - Tempest on Tithebarn,
Saturday 25th July, 6pm-late
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pride-on-the-roof-tickets-1986707241841
Veteran’s Pride - HMS Eaglet
Friday 24th July, from 6pm
https://www.outsavvy.com/event/30952/veterans-pride-2026
IN Club Pride Social, Boxpark
Friday 24th July, 15:30 - 18:30
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-club-pride-social-tickets-1988723338039?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
ENDS
For more information contact:
Andrea Langley – PR & Comms Manager at Liverpool Experience Campus: andrea.langley@lexliverpool.com
Liverpool’s Pride 2026
24-25 July 2026
More information: LCR Pride Foundation – Welcome to our website
About Liverpool Experience Campus
We are Liverpool Experience Campus, formerly ACC Liverpool. Situated on the city’s legendary waterfront, our connected campus is the place where unforgettable events come to life.
Liverpool Experience Campus is a place where world-class events meet a world-class city. Our site features a series of interconnected, purpose-built venues and on-site hotels, including an award-winning convention centre with a central auditorium, 11,000 capacity arena, and multi-hall exhibition centre.
We are 100% owned by the city of Liverpool, founded as a destination for people to experience life’s most impactful experiences in the arts, culture, innovation and ideas – together. We are a partner to our clients, a place of moments, magic and memories for our guests, and a gateway to the extraordinary city we call home.
We are serious about sustainability - and it shows. Now a carbon neutral event campus on the path to net zero by 2030, we’ve earned industry-leading accolades including Green Meetings Gold, Greener Arena certification and ECOsmart Platinum. Each event receives a carbon footprint report and our expert team is right there with you helping you make smarter, greener choices without compromising on quality.
About Liverpool’s Pride and Sahir House
Liverpool’s Pride 2026 is being led and coordinated by Sahir House. Sahir House is an LGBTQ+ and HIV charity founded in 1985 that provides:
- HIV support, testing, and awareness services
- Mental health and wellbeing support
- Counselling and peer support groups
- Sexual health education and outreach
- Support for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees
- Advocacy against discrimination and inequality
For Liverpool’s Pride 2026, Sahir House is overseeing planning, community engagement, accessibility, partnerships, volunteers, and overall event delivery. The aim is to create a more grassroots, community-led Pride that prioritises inclusion, wellbeing, and local LGBTQ+ voices.
About LCR Pride Foundation
LCR Pride Foundation was established with a clear mission: to make the Liverpool City Region the most LGBT+ friendly region in the UK. Operating across all six boroughs of the city region, the Foundation champions the rights of LGBT+ people, highlights the daily barriers they face, and works to create an inclusive culture where everyone can safely participate and thrive.
As the strategic voice for the region's LGBT+ community, LCR Pride Foundation governs and delivers the annual Pride March. Beyond the march, the Foundation drives systemic change through initiatives like the ‘You're Safe Here’ training programme, accrediting public venues, workspaces, and businesses to ensure they remain genuinely safe, welcoming environments for LGBTQIA+ people 365 days a year.
For more information go to: www.lcrpride.co.uk or contact: Info@lcrpride.co.uk
For more information on Sahir House, contact:
mark.Christopherson@Sahir.org.uk