Birmingham Pride

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Birmingham Pride, supported by HSBC UK, has confirmed that this year’s festival will take place on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th September 2021.

The announcement follows details of the government lockdown roadmap, which will include the return of festivals from 21st June.

The main festival was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid restrictions and was instead held virtually through a live stream on social media. 

The hugely popular Birmingham Pride carnival parade will take place on Saturday 25th September, leaving Victoria Square at 12noon.  The high-profile procession navigates through the main streets of the city centre before reaching the LGBTQ village within Southside District. The carnival parade is free for all to attend and attracts in excess of 75,000 attendees.

It is recognised that our community, particularly members of the Trans community still face hate and discrimination and continue to be marginalised. In a demonstration of solidarity and support, the theme for this year’s festival is ‘Stronger Together’.

Birmingham Pride stands proudly in support of our trans family. Our wider community has won many battles; achieved as one voice, as one movement. The challenges that lie ahead will be fought most successfully together. We achieve more when we are united. We are 'stronger together'.

Feeling supported can be challenging at the best of times, and the pandemic has only made it harder for many in the LGBTQ community to meet and connect. 

Ian Stuart, Chief executive of HSBC UK commented: “As an organisation with deep roots in the West Midlands whose success is driven by the strengths of different people, experiences and voices, we’re exceptionally proud to support Birmingham Pride.  

“We’re determined to use our position in society to support diversity and inclusion in all its forms. We’re building HSBC into a place where we can all bring our whole selves to work and where all our customers feel comfortable banking with us.  We look forward to coming together in celebration and solidarity with Birmingham’s LGBT+ community this September.”

Birmingham Pride organisers have introduced ‘Smithfield Live’ for the very first time, where the Main Stage, Dance Arena, Cabaret Stage, Funfair and more will be held on the site of the former wholesale markets. This arena has been supported by Birmingham City Council who became partners for the event in 2021.  Additionally, a subsidised ‘Street Party’ and community event will be held in the LGBTQ village with reduced ticket prices available.

Birmingham Pride has confirmed that former ‘Girls Aloud’ singer ‘Cheryl’ will headline the Main Stage on Saturday 25th September alongside, Katy B, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Riton, Aaron Porter, Andrea Di Giovanni, Jodie Harsh, Hungama, Harpies, Baga Chipz, Ms Banks, Boney M, and others. Sunday’s line up is yet to be announced.

Birmingham city council leader, Cllr Ian Ward commented: "Birmingham Pride is one of the major highlights of our cultural calendar and it's fantastic news that the festival will return in September after last year's digital event.

"Pride is a celebration of equality and freedom, bringing people of all communities together, but we must also remember that the original Pride came out of the fight for LGBTQ rights and that fight continues."

Birmingham Pride has introduced an inclusive ‘Free Community Pride Event’ on Friday 24th September, before the main festival weekend, to be held in the LGBTQ village, featuring LGBTQ performers, keynote speakers, a diverse line up of queer artists, live music and a candlelit vigil.

Festival Director, Lawrence Barton said: “I am delighted that, for the first time, we are hosting an all-inclusive, free, fully accessible, LGBTQ event as part of our festival programme. Since 2015, Birmingham Pride has raised, awarded and distributed grants and accessibility subsidies totalling £390,000. I am encouraged that community contributions are set to increase significantly this year with the introduction of our free community event, which is fully subsidised. Our lower ticket price ‘Street Party’ is also subsidised, making our event more accessible and more inclusive than in previous years.”

For tickets and further information, please visit www.birminghampride.com.