The month of June is the symbolic month of Pride. The reason behind this derives from the Stonewall riots, which took place in June 1969.
LGBTQ+ rights are the focal point of Pride, which celebrates and elevates love between people and friendships, and showcases how far society has come as well as highlights the flaws in the system.
All around the UK, especially in the summer months, Pride parades and events take place every year. In particular, the month of June is a busy one. Here are the main events.
Oxford Pride – 3 June
Celebrating 20 years of being a free Pride city, Oxford is organising a Pride event on 3 June 2023.
It will include a series of events around the areas of Westgate and the Castle Quarter, such as a Beach Party and the Official Afterparty.
People’s Pride, Southampton – 3-4 June
People’s Pride is a small registered charity for the LGBTQIA+ community, which not only provides support for the members but also organises events and support groups.
On 3 and 4 June 2023, Southampton’s People’s Pride will organise two days of Party in the Park, which is free to attend, in Palmerston Park. The event will be accompanied by a march around the city centre.
St Ives and Hayle Pride – 10 June
Cornwall also will contribute to Pride Month by setting up a whole day of celebrations.
St Ives in particular will see a parade on 10 June 2023, from The Guildhall to The Island, which will include a marching band, dance groups and just regular walkers who want to show their support.
Cambridge Pride – 17 June
Expecting over 10,000 people, Cambridge Pride is getting ready to welcome everyone.
It will take place in Jesus Green Park in Cambridge city centre on 17 June 2023. The full details have not been released yet.
Cardiff Pride – 17-18 June
Cardiff Pride will spread over two days of entertainment, parades and stalls. In particular, there are going to be three stages which will see big names of the community perform, such as Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Claire Richards.
On Saturday 17 June, there will be a parade, a tradition that colours the streets of Wales‘ capital since 1985.
Dublin Pride – 24 June
The year 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of Dublin Pride and, to celebrate, there will be a big parade on 24 June.
Individuals, non-profit groups, political parties and corporate entries are all welcome.
Even though the whole month of June is going to be dedicated to Pride events, Dublin’s main event is the festival, which runs from 24 to 25 June, in Merrion Square. There are going to be food stalls, stages and community areas, and it is free to attend.
Edinburgh Pride – 24 June
Scotland‘s Edinburgh Pride is going to happen on 24 June 2023 and, even though the details of the events have not been released yet, the organisers have announced an eventful march and parade.
Starting from Canongate, the parade will go through the city centre to the University of Edinburgh.
Essex Pride – 24 June
Established in 2003, Essex Pride is a cornerstone event for the LGBTQIA+ community who lives in the area. It is a non for profit charity, sponsored by organisations like Aegon and Pets at Home.
The involved city is Chelmsford, which will also host the parade and march. Rob Millwood, the March organiser, said: “With sections of our community under attack with proposed changes to the equality act, it is as important as ever to demonstrate and stand up for our rights.”
Alongside the parade, a festival will see stages filled with artists and comedians to lighten up the rest of the day, followed by an after-party.
[See also: Can investment in culture improve a city’s health?]
