After the cancellation of Pride in Liverpool in 2025 the event is set to roar back this summer with a full city-wide programme. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool Pride will return in full this summer following the disappointing cancellation of last year’s event.
Taking place on the weekend of July 24 and 25, organisers say Liverpool Pride 2026 will be one of the UK’s “standout” LGBTQ+ events this summer with a city-wide programme designed to attract visitors from across the country.
Soaring costs saw the full 2025 event cancelled. However, following a rapid six-week recovery effort a scaled-back celebration was eventually delivered.
Now Pride is once again set to go big in Liverpool city centre. This will be good news for hotels and hospitality venues. In recent years Liverpool Pride has attracted tens of thousands of visits and generated tens of millions of pounds for the economy.
James Doherty of LCR Pride Foundation, said: “Pride is a protest, a celebration, and a promise to our community. This year, we are making good on that promise.
“By bringing together the best of the region’s organisations and voices, we are building a Pride that doesn’t just look past yesterday’s hurdles, but actively builds a stronger, more united tomorrow.”
The weekend will begin with an opening party at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena on Frida, July 24, featuring acts including Sugababes, Beth Ditto, Bimini, Tia Kofi, House Gospel Choir and Horse Meat Disco. They will line up alongside dozens of leading Liverpool LGBTQ+ Community performers, who will be announced during Pride Month.
Proceeds from the Official Opening Party will support the vital work of Sahir House for the LGBTQ+ community, while also contributing to Liverpool’s Pride Saturday programme.
Mark Christopherson, on behalf of Sahir, added: “Liverpool’s Pride 2026 represents a huge step forward – not just for the city, but as part of the wider UK Pride landscape.
“Following last year’s challenges, we’ve worked hard to rebuild something bigger, more inclusive and more ambitious. We’re proud to invite people from across the country to come and experience Liverpool at its very best.”
Liverpool’s Pride 2026 will extend far beyond a single event, with activity taking place across the city centre, from the Pride March and community programming to nightlife, cultural events and grassroots performances.
For one weekend, Liverpool will become a fully immersive Pride destination, combining large-scale entertainment with the city’s renowned LGBTQ+ scene and inclusive community spirit.
The much anticipated Pride March will once again take centre stage on Saturday, July 25, bringing thousands together in a visible show of solidarity and support for LGBTQ+ communities. Click here to take part. Liverpool’s Pride event listings (at a glance);
- Liverpool’s Pride Opening Party, Friday, July 24, M&S Bank Arena. Tickets: https://lexliverpool.com/whats-on/liverpools-pride-opening-party/
- Liverpool’s Pride – Saturday programme. Saturday, July 25. Liverpool Experience Campus & city-wide. Tickets: https://mandsbankarena.com/whats-on/liverpools-pride/
- Liverpool’s Pride Expo. Saturday, July 25, Liverpool Experience Campus – https://prideinliverpool.co.uk/expo-2026-vendor-booking/
- Sonic Yootha at Kitchen Street, July 25 – https://www.instagram.com/sonicyootha/
- Garlands – Fairies Across the Mersey – The Daffodil. July 25 , 6pm-Midnight (SOLD OUT, Join waiting list) – https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Liverpool/Daffodil-Liverpool/Garlands—Fairies-On-The-Mersey/42447101/
- Sapphic Social – Pride on the Roof – Tempest on Tithebarn. July 25th, 6pm-late – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pride-on-the-roof-tickets-1986707241841
- Veteran’s Pride – HMS Eaglet, July 24, from 6pm – https://www.outsavvy.com/event/30952/veterans-pride-2026
- IN Club Pride Social, Boxpark, July 24th July, 3.30pm – 6.30pm – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-club-pride-social-tickets-1988723338039?aff=ebdssbdestsearch