Though every month is Pride Month in the IDEAL offices, this June the celebrations are turned up a notch, with the world observing LGBTQ+ inclusion with the enthusiasm and acceptance it deserves all year round.
As we gear up to celebrate Pride Month 2023, London comes alive with vibrant colours, joyous festivities, and a sense of unity that envelops the city. Long may it continue. With a multitude of events and venues to choose from, here’s a list of 14 of the best places to join the celebrations in London this Pride Month.
Pride Parade
The Pride Parade is the headlining act of Pride Month in London, the huge climax to a month of heavy petting. Kicking off at midday on Saturday 1st July in Hyde Park Corner and seeing upwards of 300 floats meander their way through central London – taking in Piccadilly, Haymarket and Trafalgar Square before finishing up in Whitehall – a whopping 1.5 million attendees are expected.
We can’t wait to get amongst it!
Queer Walls at Eltham Palace
Next up, we’re heading to Eltham Palace, for a drag-inspired exploration of LGBTQ+ history and culture. June 9th sees this Greenwich manor house transformed into a 1930s art deco cocktail party, hosted by the venerable drag power couple Adam All and Apple Derrieres. Expect much madness, mayhem, frolics and frivolity!
Queer Migrant Pride
A celebration of both Refugee Week and Pride Month, Saturday 24th June sees a coming together of the two causes at Bethnal Green’s St Margaret’s House for a free-to-enter all-day festival. Check out talks, performances, workshops and screenings, all in support of a world without borders or discrimination.
Forest Gayte Pride 2023
Also on 24th June (as well as the 23rd and 25th) across town in Newham, Forest Gayte Pride is a three-day, street-level event that luxuriates in cabaret, drag, live music and DJs, all from the LGBTQ+ community. This one’s an absolute hoot, and with tickets at just £6, an absolute bargain, too.
Big Queer Disco Pride Afterparty at Clapham Grand
For one of the Pride Parade’s biggest after parties, check out the Big Queer Disco Pride afterparty at Clapham Grand, opposite Clapham Junction, which is happening from around 9:30pm until the early hours on July 1st.
This spectacular event promises to be one of the night’s most fabulous parties, with South London’s iconic ‘Red-bricked Party Palace’ hosting a night of dancing and debauchery to its 1250 revellers, all soundtracked by DJs Raven Mandela and Lady Lloyd.
Homostash Pride Rave
Hosted at Colours Hoxton, if you’re a fan of techno and disco (hey, who isn’t?), then head over to the Homostash Pride Rave, also happening on 1st July between 9:30pm and 3:30am. Glowsticks at the ready!
Pride’s Got Talent at the Adelphi Theatre
You best get Tuesday 27th June boxed off in your calendars, as this is the date for the always raucous, infinitely impressive Pride’s Got Talent at the Adelphi Theatre. Showcasing some of the city’s most exciting LGBTQ+ talent, from singers to dancers, firebreathers and escapologists, winners receive £1000 and earn the chance to perform in Trafalgar Square.
Read: 5 IDEAL gay friendly Europe travel destinations
Queer Comedy Club
Archway’s Queer Comedy Club (the first LGBTQ+ comedy club in the UK) has only been open a month, but it has already hit its stride, just in time for Pride!
Naturally, this June the calendar here is stacked, with performances taking place most evenings. We’re big fans of American comic Spring Day, who’ll be bringing her sassy stylings to the stage here on Thursday 29th June. See you down the front?
West London Queer Project 10k Pride Walk
Put your best foot forward as Pride Month steps into gear with the West London Queer Project’s 10km walk, taking place on June 3rd. Shining a light (and raising money for) motor neurone disease, tickets cost £25, which gets you food, drink and a T-shirt, as well as access to the afterparty.
Hosted at the Black Lion pub, you’ll catch performances by some of London’s most beloved drag queens, including Choriza May, Miss Lola Lasagne, Luna Cortez and Beary Poppins.
Queer Britain Museum
For an important, deep dive into LGBTQ+ history in the UK and beyond, be sure to visit the newly opened Queer Britain Museum during Pride Month. This year, their inaugural exhibition ‘We Are Queer Britain’ marks the 50th anniversary of the UK’s first Pride march. A must-see, this one.
Open daily Wednesdays through Sundays, from midday to 6pm.
The British Museum: Queer History and Art
The British Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore LGBTQ+ history and art through its extensive collections and exhibitions in June. During Pride Month, the museum is hosting special tours and talks, highlighting the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history. Check out their fascinating article on ‘Eight LGBTQ objects to celebrate Pride’, too.
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is a legendary LGBTQ+ venue that has been entertaining Londoners since the 1860s. During Pride Month, the pub hosts a variety of events, including cabaret shows, comedy nights, and drag performances, making it a must-visit destination.
Heaven Nightclub
Heaven Nightclub is one of London’s most iconic LGBTQ+ venues, offering multiple dance floors and a diverse lineup of DJs and performers. During Pride Month, Heaven hosts special events and themed nights, ensuring an unforgettable night of dancing and celebration. We can’t wait for June 7th’s ‘One Night In Heaven’ event with Strictly’s Johannes Radebe.
Of course, for a more raucous party, the dancefloor here keeps popping until 4am on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays.
East London’s Creative Hub, The Glory
The Glory is a renowned LGBTQ+ venue in East London, offering a diverse range of events, from drag shows to live music. During Pride Month, the venue is hosting a variety of special events and parties every single night of the month, making it a go-to destination for those looking to celebrate in a creative and inclusive environment.
No matter how you celebrate Pride Month, be it through sustainable Pride clothing, by decorating your house with a variety of Pride-related flags, or by attending one of these great events in the capital, make sure June is a month of celebrating the individuality of who we are and what we stand for.