It’s one of the biggest cultural events in Birmingham every year, so leave the last weekend of May in your calendar free (May 24 & 25). Birmingham Pride is back bigger, better and badder than ever before for 2025 with a two-day celebration of all things LGBTQ+. And we’re expecting over 75,000 people to attend the annual pride parade before the party continues at the festival site in the heart of the LGBTQ+ village.
When is the Birmingham Pride parade?
A statement for equality and justice, a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community’s contribution to the city, and a protest against the injustices still plaguing LGBTQ+ people around the world, the parade remains a relevant and vital part of Pride. The Pride parade takes place on Saturday, May 24.
This vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and community is free for all to attend and will see tens of thousands walking or aboard decorated floats, while more than 75,000 spectators line the street. It will start gathering at Centenary Square in the city centre at 11am and set off towards the LGBTQ+ village at noon, where the main festival activities are.
What about the main festivities?
The main Smithfield Live site will once again be filled with queer icons, top DJs and drag performers. Iconic noughties dance legend Cascada, known for hits like ‘Everytime We Touch’ and ‘Evacuate the Dancefloor’, will headline Birmingham Pride 2025 on the Saturday. Then on Sunday, it’s all aboard the Vengabus with the Vengaboys – ‘We Like to Party’, ‘Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!!’, and ‘We’re Going to Ibiza’.
They’re joined by an incredible range of musicians across the weekend—including Clean Bandit, Bananarama, Alexandra Burke, Steps’ Claire Richards, The Wanted 2.0, Clementine Douglas, The Saturdays’ Una Healey, and more. Plus, the legendary Conrad Guest Cabaret Stage will host a slew of the best UK drag talent and cabaret performers, while the Big Top is home to the UK’s top DJs.
You can also expect to see Birmingham’s Gay Village transformed into the ever-popular Street Party across the weekend, with LGBTQ+ bars and clubs, cabaret, community market stalls, food vendors, live music and more. Here, you’ll also find the Emerging Talent Stage and the Glamorous Bar Birmingham Stage.
How much are tickets?
Tickets for Birmingham Pride start from £73.70 and give access to: the Street Party, Main Stage, Dance Arena, Cabaret Marquee, Funfair, Market Stalls, Food Vendors and many LGBTQ+ bars and clubs. You can skip the Main Stages and visit the Street Party, however, for only £18.70. Day tickets for the whole of Birmingham Pride start from £49.50, while VIP tickets are also available.
When is the Big Free Community event?
Birmingham Pride is also holding a quieter Big Free Community event on Friday, May 23 on the Main Stage at Smithfield Live. It promises local LGBTQ+ talent, choirs, keynote speakers, drag performers and a candlelit vigil to honour those who fought for LGBTQ rights. The event is free, but you will still need to “purchase” a ticket on the website.
To learn more about Birmingham Pride 2025 head here.