Bristol Pride releases full programme of events

Bristol Pride 2023 is nearly here and over 40 events will be taking place across Bristol this summer, kicking off from Saturday 24 June all the way to Pride Day Weekend on Saturday 8 July. The full programme of events has been announced in this year's Festival Guide which is now available to read online and available to collect, for free, from venues and spaces across the city. The Festival guide has information on all the events taking place this year, as well as the information, acts, and those all important stage times for the Pride Day Festival on The Downs.

The award-winning LGBT+ festival will see the city come alive with Pride with events including theatre, music, boat tours, circus, comedy, talks, cinema, workshops, performance, Drag Queen Bingo, dance, and more, boasting something for everyone. One of the most unique and popular events, The Pride Dog Show, returns on Sunday 2 July in Castle Park. The relaxed and fun event will see canine companions compete in rounds such as waggiest tail and musical sit.

The Pride Comedy Night on Friday 7 July takes place at the historic Bristol Old Vic Theatre this year. It sees Bristolian Comedian, and Strictly star, Jayde Adams hosting the evening of hilarious acts with Josh Jones, Heidi Regan, Sam Lake, and Charlie George performing, tickets are just £15.

You can also join the LGBT+ History Boat Tour sailing along the harbourside on Sunday 2 July, with tour guides from Outstories Bristol bringing an insightful history lesson highlighting the city’s LGBT+ past. Or if you’re more of a landlubber, head to the selection of performances at The Wardrobe Theatre, to catch shows such as the hilarious Stag King which explores what happens when an ancient Celtic god’s business collapses again, plus other incredible improv, drag and comedy shows.

Bristol Pride Circus Night is also one not to miss. Taking place on Thursday 29 June, this partnership with Circomedia acts as a spellbinding fundraiser through dazzling contemporary circus skills and performances from talented LGBT+ performers.

The Bristol Pride Film Festival, Queer Vision, returns with a showcase of incredible LGBT+ films at Watershed, The Cube, and a special outdoor screening with live performances of the 1966 classic Cabaret at The Trinity. 

The culmination of the two weeks see’s the incredible Pride Day take place on Saturday 8 July, one of the largest Pride events in the UK, organisers saw 40,000 people attending last year. The day starts with the Parade March which departs from Castle Park (Band Stand Entrance) at 10:45am for a 2 mile march through Cabot Circus and on to the Harbourside via Baldwin Street, last year a whopping 20,000 people took part in the Parade March and organisers expect to see record numbers march again for equality this year.

The team have now announced the full roster of artists for the Main Stage with Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears headlining this year's festival which welcomed 40,000 people last year. Not only that but International Star and Aussie Icon, Natalie Imbruglia will be taking over the Afternoon Legends slot on the Bristol Pride Main Stage. Other acts already announced include Girls Aloud Star Nadine Coyle, 90s dance sensation Alison Limerick, and synth pop ‘Hypnotized’ singer Sophie and the Giants. The expanded lineup also includes 5Star lead singer Denise Pearson, live dance band Rhythm of the 90s, the incredible Dolly Parton Experience, uplifting local choir Sing Out Bristol, and art-pop performer Newtion.  The Festival have already announced over 30 performers on their star-studded Cabaret stage with headline performances from Rupaul’s Drag Race Winner, Ra’jah O’Hara alongside Drag Race UK fan favourite Tia Kofi and a special guest appearance from The Traitors UK star Amanda.

Bristol Pride Day remains a donation entry festival, ensuring that it remains financially accessible for everyone who wants to attend Pride, however, organisers are asking all those that can afford to, to pick up a Supporter Wristbands for this year’s event. Starting at just £7 wristbands offer great rewards including free bus travel on Pride Day with First Bus, dedicated queue busting lanes for wristband holders to use and best of all discounts with onsite food traders and the bar prices at the festival. A £20 Day+Night pass is also available and includes entry to The Official Afterparty at the Bristol O2 Academy, featuring 3 rooms of DJs and headlined by dancefloor heroes The Shapeshifters, alongside party starters Guilty Pleasures, R&She, and disco/electronic dancing from Dirty Pop.