UK Pride festivals in Folkestone and Brighton celebrate LGBTQ+ community in 2026

Folkestone Pride 2026 turned the seaside town into a glittering celebration of LGBTQIA+ identity on July 25. Hundreds attended a parade that ran down the Old High Street to the Leas Bandstand, where drag star Tiana Biscuit headlined the main stage alongside acts such as the Midwest Princess tribute and the Queer Line Dance Club. After the outdoor festivities, a sold‑out “OutOut” afterparty at the Quarterhouse featured BBC Radio 1 DJ Jaguar.

Brighton Pride marked its 35th anniversary with a weekend of events on August 1‑2. The Pride Parade marched along the promenade and through the city centre, while Pride on the Park showcased headliners Raye, supported by Jessie J and others, and Diana Ross, backed by Five and Melanie C. RuPaul also performed a DJ set exclusive to the festival. Tickets were priced from £60, and the celebration highlighted the city’s long history as a UK LGBTQ+ hub.