Pride in London 2017: Everything you need to know and where to stay
Marking 50 years since Parliament first voted to decriminalise homosexuality in England and Wales, Pride in London is set to be the biggest and most vibrant yet.
As well as the march itself, there’s loads of other action, including cabaret, family fun, a big garden party, a dog show, and much, much more.
Read on to find out where to stay, where to go, and what to do…
Pride in London
When is Pride in London 2017?
Under the banner “Love Happens Here”, Pride in London 2017 takes place from Saturday June 24 to Sunday July 9, with the Pride Parade and main events on Saturday July 8.
What events have been organised for Pride in London 2017?
The main event, of course, is the London Pride Parade on Saturday July 8. It starts at 1pm and takes a 1.4-mile route from just north of Oxford Circus on Regent Street.
Heading down Regent Street and through Piccadilly Circus, it continues on Pall Mall towards Trafalgar Square and finishes in Whitehall at approximately 4.30pm.
With over 300 groups marching and more floats than ever before, it’s set to be the biggest London Pride Parade yet.
And, for the first time ever, Pride in London has organised a seated Grandstand, located on Waterloo Place, for the most beautiful views of the July 8 march.
As well as the march, there are a series of special events, and we’ve rounded up the biggest and best below.
Pride in the Park
Come to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens and enjoy live music and spoken word with UK Black Pride. There’ll also be a cake baking competition, sports events – and even a dog show at 4pm.
Main stage at Trafalgar Square
This is one of the most popular and iconic areas, and close to where the parade finishes. It takes place on Saturday, July 8 and features music and inspirational speakers.
This year, look out for X Factor finalist Saara Aalto, Amber Riley, Fleur East and The London Gay Big Band, plus the finalists from Pride’s Got Talent.
Cabaret Stage
Taking place on Dean Street in Soho, acts include Adam All, Jacqui Swallows and Ren Stedmans.
Community Stage
This stage is a platform for charity and not for profit groups.
The 30 stalls include Stonewall, Terrence Higgins Trust, Amnesty International, The National Trust, Cancer Research UK and more.
Family Stage
AKA Illumination Square, this is where it’s at for family entertainment. There’ll be balloon makers, face painters, bouncy castle, karaoke, performances from Big Fish Little Fish and Pride’s Got Talent stars, as well as photo opps with the Minions from Despicable Me 3.
Radio Diva Women’s Stage
Taking place at Leicester Square, there will be a live broadcast from Radio Diva as well as other acts on stage, including Betty, Heather Peace, and Sinitta.
Where can I stay for Pride in London 2017?
There are loads of great places to stay in London – and an abundance of superb apartments and rooms available to rent thanks to misterb&b hosts.
Below are just some of the possible places close by to all the Pride in London 2017 action.
If you want an entire apartment, Jerome is offering one in Covent Garden, just minutes away from the Pride action.
Recently redecorated and with a private terrace, Jerome’s place is perfect for Pride and can sleep five people.
And if you’re after a private room, Tim has one in Soho, set in a modern apartment on the 10th floor with views overlooking the West End.
Why is staying in somebody’s home better than a hotel?
While you may be able to sneak miniature soaps from a hotel, you cannot ever be sure that the hotel you are booking will be LGBT friendly.
Misterb&b is a website which hosts LGBT friendly apartments of locals in the city. From the best places to eat and drink to the best landmarks to check out, hosts who live in the city will be able to give you another level of intel on the best way to navigate a city.
London is a big place, and getting the knowledge of a resident will certainly be better than relying on Yelp reviews and staring at maps for your whole trip.
How can I become a host during Pride?
Becoming a host on mister&b is not only an easy way to earn yourself some pocket money but it’s a brilliant way to meet people in the LGBT community from across the globe during the Pride period.
Just list your home on the site for free, and then you are all set to begin receiving booking requests and inquiries.
Where can I go out during Pride in London 2017?
London has some of the best lesbian and gay pubs and bars in the country, where you can carry on the party after the parade. Our top picks are:
G-A-Y
On the biggest night of the year (Saturday, July 8), G-A-Y is hosting a free London Pride party from 9pm at G-A-Y Bar; 30 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 4UR.
Other G-A-Y venues you can hit up include G-A-Y Late at 5 Goslett Yard, Soho, WC2H 0EA and G-A-Y at Heaven at The Arches, Villiers Street, WC2N 6NG.
KU
Open every night, Ku has five venues – Ku Bar at 30 Lisle Street, London W1D 5JL, open every night from 12pm – 3am; intimate cocktail bar Ku Soho at 25 Frith Street, London WC1D 5LB; Ku’s premium cocktail bar The Light Lounge at 1 Newport Place, London WC2H 7JR; SHE – the only women-priority venue in London – at 23a Old Compton St, London W1D 5JL; and Klub, 7-nights-a-week boutique clubbing venue, at 30 Lisle Street, London W1D 5JL.
There are LOADS more LGBT bars and pubs in the Soho area – including Admiral Duncan, Bar Soho, Circa, Comptons, Freedom Bar, Heaven, Rupert Street Bar, Village and Friendly Society.
What’s the history of London Pride?
The first official Gay Pride Rally was first held in London on July 1, 1972 – chosen as the nearest Saturday to the anniversary of the Stonewall riots of 1969 – with around 2000 participants.
Following the shocking shootings in Orlando last year, Pride 2016 in London was the biggest ever, with 40,000 in the parade and as many as one million people celebrating.
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