Does it feel like Pride comes around earlier every year to anyone else? Well, this year it’s true as Birmingham Pride 2023 makes the switch from September to May. Birmingham’s celebration of all things LGBTQ+ returns this weekend (May 27 & 28). This year’s Birmingham Pride looks to be the biggest, baddest and most beautiful ever. So there is plenty of reason to wave your flags whether a part of the community or simply an ally.
It’s one of the UK’s earliest Pride parties of the year, so we need to set the standard for the rest of the country! Celebrations should be as vibrant, flamboyant and energetic as ever across the two-day affair for what will be the 26th annual Birmingham Pride. We’ve broken down what you can expect, and what you can get up to, at this year’s Birmingham Pride 2023.
When is Birmingham Pride 2023 Parade?
Probably the most important aspect. The Birmingham Pride Parade march is a statement for equality and justice, as well as a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community’s contribution to the city. The march remains a relevant and vital part of pride, a protest against the injustices still plaguing LGBTQ+ people around the world.
It will contain ten of thousands of participants, walking, marching or aboard decorated floats. While it is expected to be enjoyed by more than 75,000 spectators lining the street. Free for all to attend, the Birmingham Pride parade will start at Centenary Square at 11am (May 27) and make its way to the Gay Village for the main festival activities at 12 noon. The route will pass Town Hall, head along New Street before turning down the High Street and taking a right towards Moor Street.
What about the main festivities?
The main Pride site will once again be in Smithfield where on Saturday, none other than Sugababes – with the original line-up – will headline. They’ll be joined by the likes of Samantha Mumba, Cat Burns, Mae Muller and more. Make sure to return on Sunday, however, to catch the likes of B*witched, Atomic Kitten and Boney M. The legendary Conrad Guest Cabaret Stage will also make a triumphant appearance with a slew of the best UK drag talent and cabaret performers. Plus expect the Dance Arena to pop off both days! (Scroll down to see the full line-up.)
Meanwhile, Birmingham’s Gay Village will transform into an event space across the weekend full of musicians and performers for our delight! The ever-popular Village Street Party will access to our favourite LGBTQ+ bars and clubs. Expect cabaret, live entertainment, street food vendors and a mix of community and commercial market stalls. As well as feature the Future Stage and Carlos Medina Stage.
To access everything across the weekend, tickets cost £66, or are £44 for individual days. If you just want to visit the Village Street Party, it costs £33 for the weekend or £22 for individual days. To learn more or purchase your tickets head here.
Where else is happening Birmingham Pride weekend?
On Friday, May 26, Birmingham Pride 2023 will host a free community vigil at Smithfield. Alongside a candlelight vigil, there will also be keynote speakers, live music and performances, community stalls, plus lots more LGBTQ+ talent!
Birmingham Pride 2023 line-up:
Saturday, May 27:
Jaguar Main Stage
Sugababes
Cat Burns
Samantha Mumba
Jodie Harsh
Mae Muller
Danny Beard
Tom Aspaul
Ryan Lanji
Paul Morrell Sound System featuring Katherine Ellis and Tom Barnwell
Keanan
Birmingham Royal Ballet
Rainbow Voices
Dance Arena
Sammy Virgi
Girls Don’t Sync
Just Soriah
Karakat
Ringers
Lauren Goulder
Malado
Tu3sday
Conrad Guest Cabaret Stage
Sandra
Tianna Biscuit
Amy Laqueefa
Lola Lasagne
Tanya Hyde
Miss Penny
January Butler as Celine Dion
Shania Pain
Lasha Bushra
Don One
Twiggy
KY Kelly
Carlos Medina Stage
Blanche
Cake Boi
Crip Ladywood
Dahliah Rivers
Sophie Stication
Ebony Krueger
Eric Scutaro
Emberly
House of Allure
Kenya Knott
Pork Pie
Terri Box
Tianna Biscuit
Donna Trump
Future Stage
Sounds Queer Takeover with Virgin X
Lannie Camper
Woseley
Two Thousand and Late
Indie disco with local DJs
Sunday, May 28:
Jaguar Main Stage
Gabrielle
B*witched
Atomic Kitten
Boney M (featuring Maizie Williams)
Rylan (DJ set)
Liberty X
Caity Baker
Black Peppa
Sweet Female Attitude
Conrad Guest Cabaret Stage
Sandra
Son of a Tutu
Brenda La Beau
Martha D’Arthur
Jodie Doody as Kylie
Michelle Lawson as Whitney
Flick
Lady Imelda
Donna Trump
Pam Catz
Fatt Butcher
Blanche
Dance Arena
Jess Bays
Joe Hunt
Forbid
Paul Morrell
Nick Charles
Chunky B
Marcus James
Lisa Sharred
Yan Simonski
Carlos Medina Stage
Virgo Andromeda
The Enby Show
Jenna DaVinci
Tristan Treble
Alesha Tryed
Ula Lah
Blu Romantic
Mr Peach
House of Andre
Samosa
Yshee Black
Future Stage
Mnelia
Eddy Luna
Darkwah
Sophielou
Zoellz
Apw
Lesia
Local DJs