York Pride is back this weekend – here’s everything you need to know ahead of the event!
The annual rainbow-filled celebration of love and equality returns to the Knavesmire on Saturday 7 June.
It’s a celebratory day full of family fun, music, entertainment, food and drink, dancing, and community.
We’ve put together a guide to everything you need to know for the day – take a look below. Happy Pride!
“Rain or shine, York Pride is a celebration of love, equality, and visibility — and nothing can dampen that spirit,” said chair of York Pride, Greg Stephenson.
“We’re incredibly proud to be bringing the LGBT+ community and City of York together once again for a vibrant, inclusive day of joy and solidarity.
“Whether you’re walking in the parade or cheering from the sidelines or enjoying the main festival, we promise an unforgettable experience. Pack a poncho (maybe a sun cap if we are lucky!) and grab your rainbow flags!”
What’s happening
12pm The parade
A staple of York Pride is the parade to the Knavesmire, where the community can come together as one and march together – with flags, music, and joy.
The parade will assemble outside the updated start location of Parliament Street from 11:30am, and the march to the Knavesmire will begin at 12pm.
Take a look at our map to see the route for 2025.
This year, the parade is starting on Parliament Street so it is inside the counter-terrorism bollards.
The parade will arrive at the Knavesmire approximately between 1-1:30pm.
Whether you’re joining in with the parade or simply watching it pass by, it is always a spectacular sight to see.
12:30pm Live entertainment
There will be live music and entertainment on the Main Stage from 12:30pm to 7pm, with Angels of the North headlining. The powerhouse trio of drag excellence from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Ginger Johnson, Michael Marouli and Tomara Thomas will once again be bringing their heavenly brand to York Pride.
Performances on the main stage also include La Voix, Kerry Ellis, The Cheeky Girls, Marcus Collins, Eva Iglesias, Pet Shop Boys, Actually, Janice D, and Ryan Petitjean.
The main stage is hosted by returning hosts St Sordid Secret and Mamma Bear, and new guest host Emmerdale‘s Ash Palmisciano!
As well as the main stage, there’s also the Cabaret Stage hosted by YorkMix, featuring drag, live vocals, comedy and spoken word performances. The high-energy Dance Tent and the QueerArts Community Arts Space, a creative hub showcasing local LGBTQ+ talent.
There will also be a huge variety of food and drink, community and shopping stalls to browse through.
7pm Afterparty
The fun will continue at the official York Pride afterparty at Ziggy’s Bar & Nightclub on Micklegate.
The doors will open from 7pm for drinks in the bar and lounge areas, with the dance floor opening at 10pm and hosted by drag sensation Janice D. Entry is £7 but if you’re a York Pride 2025 Wristband holder it’s free entry before 10pm and then a discounted entry of £5 afterwards.
How to get there
The simplest – and funnest – 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.
Once again, First York will have their special Pride Day bus ticket! They are discounting their FirstDay Adult bus ticket especially for the day – use code YORKPRIDE to get £1.50 off your FirstDay ticket in the ‘York’ section of the First Bus app, valid for unlimited travel on Saturday 7 June.
How much is it
York Pride is a free event! There is no entry fee, but donations are welcomed.
You can get your York Pride 2025 wristband for £6, which gets you over 50 discounts across York’s shops, bars, restaurants, attractions, – see the full list here.
Wristbands can be purchased online or in person at York Pride HQ and Shop (on Pride day), Visit York on Parliament Street, and LNER at York Station.
At the event there will be food, drink and shopping stalls with refreshments and goodies available to buy. All official York Pride stalls and the bar take card and cash, and most traders accept both.
The nearest cash machine is the Sainsbury’s Local on Blossom Street.
For more information about the event, visit the York Pride website.