Notts Pride is set to take place later this month, and organisers have shared further details of what to expect from the festivities on Saturday 25 July.
With this year’s theme, ‘Bolder and Brighter’, the day will begin with the iconic Notts Pride March setting off from Lister Gate in the city centre at 12 noon, before making its way to Sneinton Market. Stewards and volunteers will be on hand throughout the route to guide participants and keep the march safe, welcoming and accessible for everyone taking part.
At Sneinton Market, the main stage will once again provide a focal point for artists from Nottinghamshire’s LGBTQ+ communities, with a programme spanning drag, live music, spoken word and performance.
Pop sensation Meek will be joining the glittering line-up, fresh from an appearance on Saturday Night Live, with other newly announced acts including Drag Race UK alumni Nyongbella, as well as Nottingham’s Drag Pageant All Starswinner, Bin Bag. A special Wizard of Notts performance will take crowds over the rainbow, while local queer DJ collective Vibrations will keep the energy high.
They will join this year’s main stage drag hosts Liv Presents, Marilyn Sane and Nana Arthole, alongside touring Pride tribute favourite The Harry Styles Show with Sean Mac, Nottingham artist LYVIA, ballroom and queer collective Ghetto Fabulous, as well as local drag stars Bella Bestia, Priscilla Shona Krakow, Vayne, Arthur Itis and Climax.
The Grove Stage will also return as an acoustic and alternative space, following its successful Notts Pride debut last year. Offering a dedicated line-up of live music, poetry and comedy throughout the day, it will spotlight underrepresented voices, providing a more intimate setting away from the main stage while still keeping the spirit of Pride at its heart.
Family-friendly programming will be expanded for 2026, with a dedicated family area located at Blend Square in Sneinton Market from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm, with a quiet hour starting at 12 noon. Developed in partnership with LGBTQ+ charity The Spencer Trust, the space will feature activities such as Drag Story Time with Kitty Tray, alongside face painting, crafts and games designed to create a relaxed, welcoming environment for younger attendees and their families. Organisers expect the area to be busiest between 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm and encourage families to allow time to settle in and make use of the space.
At the newly launched Rainbow Quarter, The Lord Roberts will be celebrating Pride in their signature style at their iconic venue, while The New Foresters, Nottingham’s oldest LGBTQ+ bar, will be marking the day with non-stop entertainment throughout the day and into the early hours.
Leigh Ellis, chair of Nottinghamshire Pride, said: “Notts Pride has always been about visibility, protest and joy, and this year we’re building on that with new partners and new ways for people to get involved. From the march and main stage to the Grove acoustic line-up and the Family Area, we want everyone to feel there is space for them at Pride – whether they are marching for the first time, returning year after year, or joining us as allies.”
This year will also see the launch of the first official Notts Pride after-party, with celebrations continuing into the night at the iconic historic venue, The Palais. Hosted by Gladrags – one of Nottingham’s longest-running LGBTQ+ club nights – the party will bring together drag, burlesque and boylesque performers, dancers and DJs for two high-energy shows and over six hours of Pride anthems and club music.
For those looking for a different way to keep the festivities going, Manchester’s queer festival and event series Homoelectric will also be presenting a Notts Pride Special at The Bodega, with a percentage of ticket sales donated directly to Notts Pride to help keep the event free and accessible for all.
Craig Martin, vice-chair of Nottinghamshire Pride, added: “Pride may take over the city for one day, but the work of Nottinghamshire Pride as a charity continues all year round. Thanks to the backing of our sponsors, partners and volunteers, we can keep Pride free, inclusive and community-led, while also creating safer spaces, supporting grassroots groups and championing LGBTQ+ inclusion across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.”
Now in its 29th year, Notts Pride is run by Nottinghamshire Pride, which is a registered charity that ensures the event remains free to attend for all. The event is organised and run entirely by volunteers and is made possible by support from sponsors. This year’s principal sponsor is Sladen Estates, marking the company’s sixth year as principal sponsor. This year’s new event sponsor is Nottingham City Council, and the headline sponsor is It’s in Nottingham, with additional sponsors including The Nottingham Building Society, E.ON, Boots, East Midlands Airport, SDL Surveying, Tesco, Nottingham City Council, Cartwright and MPG.
Nick Sladen, chief officer at Sladen Estates, said: “Sladen Estates are very proud to be the principal sponsor for Nottingham Pride for the sixth consecutive year. In times when understanding, tolerance and inclusivity are in short supply, Pride stands to unite and celebrate people’s right to live and love how they want, and to recognise the journey thus far. We are very pleased that we are able to help Nottingham Pride deliver an amazing free-for-all event once again.”
Alex Flint, CEO of It’s in Nottingham, said: “It’s in Nottingham are excited to announce our headline sponsorship of Notts Pride. This event, the recent launch of Nottingham’s Rainbow Quarter, and celebrations throughout Pride Month are important reminders that Nottingham is a city for everyone, and these events recognise the value and strength of community in our city.”
For full details about this year’s event, visit www.nottspride.co.uk.
