This Saturday is the return of York Pride – and after a two year hiatus rainbows will once again adorn the streets of York.
York Pride will take place on the Knavesmire on Saturday 18 June.
This year also marks 50 years since the first Pride in the UK.
As always, you can expect a day that celebrates love and joy with plenty of live entertainment, family fun, fab food and drink, and more.
Here’s everything you need to know – including what’s happening and how to join in.
What’s happening
11:45am The parade
The parade will kick off from York Minster at approximately 11:45am, and then will go down Parliament Street, across High Ousegate and along Bishopthorpe Road before finishing at the Knavesmire (Tadcaster Road End) around 1pm.
The parade is always a spectacular sight to see and join in with – with the giant rainbow banner being carried from start to finish, and there’s always some fantastic fancy dress to spot!
Rainbows as far as the eye can see will fill the streets of York in a colourful celebration of pride.
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1pm Live entertainment
There will be live music and entertainment from 1pm, including performances from Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Divina De Campo.
Blue‘s Duncan James will also be performing, and don’t miss Marcus Collins who you may remember from The X Factor.
York’s own Bailey Bubbles will also be giving a performance to remember!
There will also be food stalls and bar for refreshments, as well as a funfair, local businesses, charity stalls – and more.
The bar will have cider and beer on draught, with a selection of wine, spirits and fizz available too. Or maybe you might go for a cocktail?
Afterparty
The fun will continue at the official York Pride afterparty at Ziggy’s Bar & Nightclub on Micklegate.
Hosted by award-winning drag artist St. Sordid Secret, carry on the pride celebrations well into the evening.
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How to get there
The simplest – and most fun – way to get to York Pride is walking with the parade.
There are no parking facilities at the Knavesmire site, and there is limited parking for those with a blue badge. The nearest car parks are Nunnery Lane Car Park, Bishopthorpe Road Car Park and Rowntree Park Car Park.
To celebrate York Pride, First York are introducing a Pride Day bus ticket – with unlimited travel across York on Saturday 18 June for the discounted price of £3. The special ticket is available on the First Bus app.
How much is it
York Pride is a free event! There is no entry free, but donations are welcomed.
There is food and drink stalls with refreshments available to buy. Cash and card will be accepted on the day – but cash is recommended due to limited internet at the site. The nearest cash machine is the Sainsbury’s Local on Blossom Street.
The York Pride 2022 wristband is also available – the £5 wristband will get you free entry into the official afterparty before 10pm as well as discounts on a variety of retailers and eateries.
Order your wristband via the York Pride website or they are also available from the Visit York Information Centre, Geek Retreat York, and the LNER Travel Centre.