Everything you need to know about Pride Canterbury

Pride Canterbury is back this weekend, but it is going to look a bit different to previous years.

With its usual Dane John Gardens location closed for Levelling Up work until December, organisers have had to rethink and downscale 2025's free festivities.

That means a new site and the event being reduced to just one day this year, taking place on Saturday 7 June.

But, with the usual thousands still expected to attend - despite a yellow thunderstorm warning being forecast for Kent - here's everything you need to know about the borough's biggest LGBTQ+ celebration.

Pride Canterbury will start at 11:00 BST on Saturday, with main entrance to the festival being via Tower House to Westgate Gardens.

A parade featuring live music, flag waving and whistle blowing will then make its way along the high street before turning left onto Longmarket.

The carnival atmosphere will then continue onto Burgate via Sunstreet, then onto Sun Yard and Guildhall Street, before rejoining the high street and heading back to Westgate Gardens.

There is no main stage with live acts this year - that is set to return in 2026.

Organisers said they "can't wait to welcome everyone", adding: "While the forecast suggests a few showers throughout the day we know that a little rain can't dampen the spirit of Pride.

"And while there may be no main stage this year, we promise there is lots to see and do."

Festival-goers can enjoy a marketplace with more than 70 arts and craft stalls and dozens of food vendors, while there will also be family zones for those with children and a wellbeing area should anyone feel overwhelmed and in need of some support.

The main festival will continue until 19:00 BST, but afterparty celebrations with drag queens, dancers and lively music will take place from 22:00 BST until the early hours of Sunday at Tokyo Tea Rooms cocktail bar on St George's Place.

For those arriving by rail on the big day, Canterbury has two train stations, Canterbury East and Canterbury West, both of which are operated by South Eastern.

Those coming by car will find a number of park and ride facilities that are a short bus journey into the centre of town.

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