Blackpool Pride Festival celebrated 13 years in 2019, continuing with its ethos and message of inclusion.

It promotes awareness of diversity and equality, welcoming everyone with open arms to celebrate Pride. Attracting thousands of visitors every year, Blackpool Pride usually kicks off with a wonderful Pride Parade down the famous Blackpool Promenade.

The LGBT Scene in Blackpool

You can always expect colourful costumes, floats, and enthusiastic participants promoting the message of equality and reduced homophobia in the wider communities. Blackpool Pride is always an unforgettable event, with many famous faces from Blackpool’s well-known LGBT venues.

A full day of entertainment always has something for everyone, like giant games, arts and crafts activities, stalls, raffles, face painters, and so much more.

But Blackpool has welcomed LGBT holidaymakers and residents for many years now, with Liberty Church in Blackpool also being an LGBT-inclusive church. Blackpool takes pride in everyone’s individuality and celebrates everyone’s sexuality, with plenty of LGBT venues and events.

Blackpool Pride: Where to Now?

This year, Blackpool Pride partnered with the Flying Handbag and Kaos – popular gay bars! – to provide exciting, live entertainment throughout the weekend. The Queen Street party featured entertainment from Sandi Thom, Cece Peniston, Chesny Hawkes, Sybil, 911, Urban Cookie Collective, and Claire Richards as the headliner.

In 2020, the Festival will be held between 5th-7th June, with a continued celebration of cultural identity and LGBT lifestyle. It provides an environment where visitors can both meet and make friends, where everyone can be themselves while feeling safe and welcomed.

It’s easy to see why Blackpool Pride is so popular!

At the Grand, we always have something exciting on, including fantastic LGBT performers and plays for the entire family to enjoy. Just recently, Sir Ian McKellen entertained us with a celebration of his 80th birthday and stories of his life, from early acting career, coming out, and so much more.