Does it feel like Pride comes around earlier every year to anyone else? Well, we’re not complaining, because Birmingham Pride 2024 looks to be the biggest party of the year! Birmingham’s celebration of all things LGBTQ+ returns on the weekend (May 25 & 26). 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’ve got 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 27th annual Birmingham Pride. We’ve broken down what you can expect, and what you can get up to, at this year’s Birmingham Pride 2024.
When is the Pride Parade?
Probably the most important aspect. The Birmingham Pride Parade 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 see tens of thousands of participants, walking, marching or aboard decorated floats, while 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 25) 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 Sunday, none other than Sophie Ellis-Bextor will headline – expect a murder on the dancefloor! She’ll be joined by the likes of Beverley Knight, Natasha Bedingfield and Jamelia over the weekend. 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. To learn more or purchase your tickets head here.
Where else is happening Birmingham Pride weekend?
On Friday, May 24, Birmingham Pride 2024 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 2024 line-up:
Saturday, May 25
Main Stage
Loreen
Natasha Bedingfield
Heather Small
Danny Beard
Tia Kofi
Beth McCarthy
Raven Mandella
Louis III
Birmingham Royal Ballet
Homoparody
Chic Dance Arena
Bushbaby
Silva Bumpa
Skeptic
Kate Meyher
Mxchrd
DDQ
Just Sorian
Charlie Adams
Dan Kavanagh
Jord Percussion
Conrad Guest Cabaret Stage
Amy Laqueefa
Donna Trump
Flick
Lady Imelda
Lola Lasagne
Miss Penny
Sandra
Shania Pain
Tianna Biscuit
Twiggy
Vicky Jackson as Pink
Yshee Black
Emerging Talent Stage
Send in the Clowns Musical Theatre Rave
Yshee’s Stars on the Rise
House of Allure
Cycki Brokat
Tanja McKenzie
Alter Ego
Molly House Productions
Transcedant
Treble and Bass
Blue Romantic
Mia Virgin
Sunday, May 26
Main Stage
Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Beverley Knight
Jamelia
Gok Wan
House Gospel Choir DJ Set
Dylan & The Moon
Lyvia
Bollyqueer
Chic Dance Arena
Artful Dodger
Ratpack
Felton
Chad Lewis
Clinton Shawe
Sandi G
Styli
Antix
Yendanc
Conrad Guest Cabaret Stage
Brenda Labeau
Dahliah Rivers
Fatt Butcher
Jodie Doody as Kylie
Lady Bushra
Louis Cyfer
Michelle Lawson as Whitney
Pam Catz
Pork Pie
Sandra
Son of a Tutu
Unique 88
Victoria Scone
Emerging Talent Stage
Aria Homiebaba & McSaima
Kaylee
Golding & Friends
The Bitter Peach
Courtney Bennett
Liam Price