Sunshine, solidarity, and spectacle: Bristol Pride 2025 an incredible success

Across two weeks, from the city centre to the expanse of The Downs, Bristol Pride has welcomed over 46,000 attendees for its 2025 celebration. As the sun beamed over Bristol on Saturday 12th July, tens of thousands came together to celebrate the joyous and powerful Main Pride Day. 

The day kicked off with the iconic Parade March, which brought over 25,000 people to the streets of Bristol in a proud and powerful display of unity and resistance. Setting off from Castle Park, the march snaked through the city in a dazzling procession of flags, costumes, samba bands and community groups, kicking off a festival atmosphere that continued all throughout the day. 

The energy carried through to The Downs, where the festival site burst into life with five stages of entertainment, food and market stalls and the Pride Community Tent. Performances on the Main Stage lit up the day with showstopping sets from Ultra Naté, Afternoon Legend performer Kim Wilde, Cascada and headliner Allie X, who delivered a powerful and glittering finale as the sun dipped low over the crowd, marking her South West debut. Over on the Cabaret Stage, RuPaul’s Drag Race royalty Brooke Lynn Hytes made her UK Pride debut, leading a fierce and fabulous lineup of drag and cabaret artists including Alfie Ordinary, Miss Jam Tart and Son of a Tutu.

Image - SHOTAWAY Photography

The celebration didn’t end there. As night fell, The Official Afterparty at the O2 Academy brought thousands together for one last dance, with DJs, drag stars and two epic rooms of music. Across the city, Pride wristband holders kept the party going at official afterparties at Queenshilling, Lost Horizon and Basement 45, making Bristol one of the most vibrant places to be in the UK this weekend.

Daryn Carter MBE, Director of Bristol Pride, said: “This year’s Pride was absolutely electric - the sun shone, the stages sparkled and Bristol showed up in full force to stand up for love, equality and visibility. From the joy of the Parade March to the energy of the stages, there were unforgettable moments at every turn. We’re so proud of how this city comes together to celebrate Pride and we’re already looking forward to planning for 2026.”

As one of the only Pride events of its size to still offer donation-based entry, Bristol Pride remains committed to accessibility and inclusion for all. Those who didn’t have a chance to donate on the day can still support the festival this year as well as their year-round work and help shape an even bigger Pride 2026 by donating online at bristolpride.co.uk/donate.