Leeds Pride is preparing for its biggest year yet as it marks a milestone 20th anniversary with a weekend of celebrations this July. For the first time in the event’s history, the festival will span two days, taking place on 18th and 19th July. What began in 2006 with 6,500 people has grown into one of the UK’s premier Pride events, with last year’s festivities drawing a record-breaking crowd of over 80,000 attendees and contributing an estimated £3.8 million to the local economy.
The anniversary festival promises a city-wide celebration championing local LGBTQ+ talent alongside world-class acts. Organisers have confirmed that Strictly Come Dancing icon and RuPaul’s Drag Race star La Voix will be the first performer to take the Main Stage. The weekend programme also includes the Leeds Pride Drag Brunch Fest, various street parties, and the iconic parade, which saw more than 195 organisations and 6,500 marchers take to the streets in its most recent outing.
A Leeds Pride spokesperson said: “We’re incredibly excited to celebrate 20 years of Leeds Pride. This milestone anniversary represents two decades of bringing our community together, championing LGBTQ+ voices and creating unforgettable moments. Leeds Pride is growing and stronger than ever and we’re committed to giving Northern LGBTQ+ performers a platform to shine. This 20th anniversary festival will be our biggest and best yet, but as we expand, we need public and sponsor support more than ever to make our vision a reality. We’re calling on businesses and individuals to get behind Leeds Pride and help us deliver an incredible celebration that our community deserves. Expanding to two days for the first time shows just how far we’ve come, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Leeds this summer for what will be our most spectacular Pride yet.”
Jet2, the UK’s largest tour operator, returns as the headline sponsor for the third consecutive year. David Hills, Chief Customer Officer at Jet2, said: “Jet2 is very proud to support Leeds Pride 2026 as headline sponsor for the third year running. It’s been fantastic to celebrate diversity in our amazing city over the last two years, and as a major employer across the region, as well as a company that takes so many local people on their well-deserved holidays, we cannot wait for this year’s celebrations.”
The city-wide support is echoed by Leeds City Council, which continues to work toward making Leeds a safe and inclusive hub for the LGBTQ+ community. Councillor Emma Flint, Executive Member for Equality, Health and Wellbeing, added: “We love seeing everyone come together for Leeds Pride each year, be that from across city, Yorkshire or even further afield. As always, we are working hard for Leeds to be a truly LGBT+ safe and inclusive city and we look forward to this year’s celebration of our vibrant LGBT+ community.”
