York Pride set to be 'biggest yet' - organisers

Jack Hadaway-Weller
BBC News, Yorkshire
York Pride/Milner Creative A group of pride supporters holding a giant pride flag outside Mansion House in York.

There are around 20 men, women and children, in the crowd holding onto the flag.York Pride/Milner Creative
York Pride has a new parade route for 2025 with a changed start location

York Pride organisers say they are expecting this year's event to be its "biggest yet".

More than 17,500 people attended the annual one-day festival in 2024, with it billed as "North Yorkshire's largest LGBTQ+ celebration".

Saturday's York Pride 2025 features a new parade route with a changed start location.

Following the parade through the city, the Knavesmire is hosting a range of musical performances and stalls.

Where is York Pride taking place?

York Pride 2025 begins with the parade, starting on Parliament Street in York city centre.

Previous events have started by York Minster, but organisers have updated the start position to be inside the counter terrorism bollards.

This move is to "keep the assembly of the parade as secure as possible", organisers said.

The parade takes in sections of Davygate, St Helen's Square, Coney Street, Spurriergate, Bridge Street, Skeldergate, Bishopgate Street, Bishopthorpe Road, Campleshon Road and Knavesmire Road before ending up on the Knavesmire.

The festival takes place on the Knavesmire, close to York Racecourse.

What time does it start?

The parade sets off from Parliament Street at 11:45 BST and is due to arrive at the Knavesmire between 13:00 and 13:30.

Organisers say anyone taking part in the parade should assemble between 11:00 and 11:40.

The festival at the Knavesmire will run from 11:30 until 19:00, with the site featuring food and drink stalls along with entertainment and live acts.

What road closures are there?

Roads around the parade route in the city will be closed while the parade takes place.

Additionally, Church Street will be closed from 10:30 until 13:30 and St Helen's Square will be shut between 11:30 and 13:30.

Where can I get tickets and how much do they cost?

York Pride is a free event with no ticket required.

Anyone who wants to join the parade can also do so without a ticket.

York Pride / Milner Creative A drag performer in a pink and orange leotard with pink stiletto boots performs in from of a crowd of hundreds of people.York Pride / Milner Creative
York Pride says its event is the city's biggest free one-day festival

Who is performing?

This year's event will be headlined by drag trio Angels of the North at 18:00.

Other performers on the main stage include Britain's Got Talent star and RuPaul's Drag Race UK runner-up La Voix.

The Cheeky Girls, Kerry Ellis and tribute act Pet Shop Boys, Actually, will also be entertaining crowds.

Who can attend York Pride?

York Pride is a family-friendly event and is open to anyone, its organisers said.

Dogs are also welcome to attend as long as they are kept on a lead.

"Rain or shine, York Pride is a celebration of love, equality, and visibility - and nothing can dampen that spirit," the event said.

"We're incredibly proud to be bringing the LGBT+ community and City of York together once again for a vibrant, inclusive day of joy and solidarity.

"Whether you're walking in the parade, cheering from the sidelines or enjoying the main festival, we promise an unforgettable experience."

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