Leeds LGB&T* Pride is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with a range of events taking place throughout the city from Friday 5th August until Monday 8th August. The festivities are supported by numerous sponsors, including first direct, Sainsbury’s, Trinity, and ASDA.
Weekend Events Galore
A variety of events will be held over the weekend to celebrate love, equality, sexuality, and gender identity, ranging from community fringe events like the Leeds Queer Film Festival’s free screening of ‘Set It Off’ to club nights like the renowned Speed Queen courtyard party.
Remembering Lives Loved and Lost
On Saturday 6th August, a vigil will be held at the newly created Sovereign Place from 5 pm to remember the lives of those in the LGB&T community lost since Leeds LGB&T Pride began in 2006.
Main Celebration Day: Sunday 7th August
The main LGB&T Pride celebration day will kick off at 12 pm in Millennium Square with entertainment on the Sainsbury’s Parade stage, featuring a headline performance by Marc Almond, the Soft Cell frontman. At 2 pm, the popular Leeds LGB&T parade will weave its way through the city center, with everyone invited to join the thousands of people and over 50 floats proudly displaying rainbow flags.
Lower Briggate Entertainment
Starting at 3 pm, the Trinity-sponsored Main Stage on Lower Briggate will host a variety of talented performers, including local band Victors, UK Eurovision duo Joe and Jake, Girls Aloud member Sarah Harding, and X-Factor winner and West End star Alexandra Burke.
Additional Activities and Spaces
In addition to the Main Stage, Lower Briggate will also feature a marketplace, funfair rides, a dedicated women’s space, a BME space, a family and children’s area, and a Chill-Out Zone run by the Time to Shine project.
Thoughts from the Chair of Leeds LGB&T* Pride
Tom Doyle, Chair of Leeds LGB&T* Pride, expressed his delight at welcoming first direct as an official partner for the 10th anniversary celebration. He thanked all the volunteers and supporters for their help in making the event possible. Doyle also addressed the tragic shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, emphasizing the importance of coming together as a community in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
The 10th anniversary of Leeds LGB&T* Pride promises a weekend full of events and celebrations that showcase the strength, diversity, and unity of the community. With a wide range of activities and performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this milestone event.