Ever a highlight of Bristol’s summer plans, the huge Bristol Pride Festival had to go virtual in 2020 and postpone some of the events last year, owing to public health concerns over holding the event in the midst of a pandemic. However, Bristol Pride has announced that it’s festival will go ahead this year in its original format, with the Pride 2022 celebrations such as their parade and Pride Day events also taking place.
Bristol Pride has now confirmed the dates for this year’s festivities, with the city’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration spanning over two weeks between June 25 and July 10. During the two weeks, the festival’s exciting programme of events will take place in venues across Bristol bringing the city alive with Pride as the charity also helps to support one of the hardest hit sectors, especially venues that are serving the LGBT+ community.
Pride Day will take place on July 9 and after a two-year absence, will return to The Downs with Carly Rae Jepson headlining. There will also be a glittering line-up which includes Alexandra Burke, RuPaul’s Drag Race Canada winner Priyanka, Bright Light Bright Light and Scissor Sister’s Ana Matronic who headlines the Official After Party.
The Pride Day event will feature multiple stages and will attract some of the biggest names in live music and entertainment, plus showcase new and emerging talent including performances from local artists and community groups. A parade will depart from Castle Park at 10.45am and Pride Day will also see a welcome return of the Pride Big Top, Youth Area, Family Zone and Community Area.
Other events to look out for across the two weeks of the festival include the return of Pride Night official after-parties plus the ever-popular Dog Show, Comedy Night, a spectacular Circus Night, Theatre Night and Queer Vision Film Festival. A Bristol Trans portrait exhibition is taking place alongside a number of Pride parties at venues such as Bristol O2 Academy, The Love Inn, The Queenshilling, Basement 45, Dareshack, Old Market Assembly and The Phoenix.
Eve Russell, Festival Director, Bristol Pride said: “We are so excited to be working on delivering this year’s festival in person again and to be able to bring everyone back together to celebrate. The Pride Parade March will also make a physical return this year, louder and prouder than ever as we mark the 50th anniversary of the first pride march in the UK.
“The march is an integral part of what pride is and after two years of quiet streets, we’re excited to be filling the city with colour. It is a chance to be visible and, importantly, it serves as a reminder that the LGBT+ community continues to fight for equality.”
Organisers are encouraging attendees to purchase a Supporter Wristband. Priced from £7, they enable future events like Pride Day to remain accessible to those, who for socio-economic reasons, may not be able to afford to attend an exclusively ticketed event.
With previous years featuring performances from over 100 artists including Boney M, Ru Paul Drag Race Star Peppermint, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Spice Girl Mel C, the festival’s return to its former venue of The Downs in 2022 is also expected to be a fantastic event. Wristbands are on sale now and include various offers including free bus travel on Pride Day, within the Bristol Zone, with First Bus and discounts at onsite bars.