Leeds is preparing to welcome more than 60,000 people into the city centre this weekend as Leeds Pride celebrates its 20th anniversary with a vibrant programme of events, including a colourful parade through the heart of the city.
Scheduled for Sunday 19 July, the landmark event underscores Leeds’ continued commitment to inclusion and diversity, bringing together residents, visitors and businesses in one of the UK’s largest Pride celebrations.
Strong civic backing for inclusive celebration
Earlier this week, the leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis, joined members of the council’s LGBT+ staff network outside Civic Hall to publicly show support for the event. The show of solidarity highlights the council’s ongoing efforts to champion equality and representation across the city.
In 2024, the council reinforced its long-term ambitions through the launch of the LGBT+ Inclusive Leeds Plan 2024–2029. This strategy aims to ensure that Leeds remains a safe, welcoming and inclusive city for LGBT+ residents, while addressing ongoing inequalities experienced by the community.
Central to this work is the council’s LGBT+ Hub, which provides a platform for engagement between the LGBT+ community, council services, voluntary organisations and local businesses. The hub enables participants to share feedback and help shape policies that directly impact their lives.
👉 Learn more about the LGBT+ Hub
From modest beginnings to major UK event
Leeds Pride has grown significantly since its beginnings in August 2006, when around 6,500 people came together for the first official event. Supported by the council and local businesses, that inaugural gathering marked an important milestone in raising visibility and promoting equality within the city.
Two decades on, the event has evolved into a major fixture in the UK’s Pride calendar, attracting tens of thousands of attendees and showcasing Leeds as a leading city for inclusivity.
Parade route and event details
This year’s parade will begin at 12:30pm on Sunday, setting off from a point opposite Leeds Town Hall before making its way through the city centre and ending at Lower Briggate. As in previous years, the event will feature a wide range of participants, including community groups, organisations and businesses.
To ensure accessibility, Leeds City Council has again contributed an access bus to the parade, with spaces booked in advance. This initiative aims to ensure that everyone, regardless of mobility needs, can take part in the celebration.
Commitment to accessibility
A key focus for organisers remains ensuring the event is inclusive and accessible to all attendees. Dedicated viewing and support facilities will be in place, including:
- A raised Accessible Viewing Area (AVA) in Millennium Square for disabled attendees and carers
- A nearby Changing Places facility and accessible toilets
- Additional accessible toilet provision at Lower Briggate with its own AVA
These measures are designed to remove barriers and enable wider participation in the event.
Civic pride and ongoing challenges
Councillor Emma Flint, Leeds City Council’s executive member for equality, adults and health said:
“We’re proud to be the host city of one of the largest Pride events in the UK, and every year we just love seeing so many people come together to celebrate equality and our vibrant LGBT+ community.
“We know that the community faces inequalities and discrimination and we continue to work hard for Leeds to be a truly LGBT+ safe and inclusive city.”
A milestone moment for Leeds
As Leeds Pride marks its 20th anniversary, the event not only celebrates progress but also highlights the ongoing work required to achieve full equality. For local authorities and public sector leaders, it serves as a powerful example of how civic engagement, policy and community collaboration can combine to create meaningful, lasting change.
Image credits: Leeds City Council
