Pride Comes to Portsmouth as the City Hosts UK Pride 2025
Expect colour today as people protest for equality, LGBTQ+ rights and love.
Portsmouth Pride is set to take over the city today, with thousands expected to gather and march in support of love, equality and LGBTQ+ rights.
However, this year’s event carries even more significance: Portsmouth has been chosen to host UK Pride 2025, a major honour that shines a national spotlight on the city and its vibrant queer community.
The parade will begin at 11am from The Briny on Southsea seafront, winding through the city in a colourful display of solidarity and celebration. The festival site will open at 11:30am, promising a packed schedule of live music, entertainment, and headline appearances from TV personality Katie Price and drag king Kyran Thrax, alongside meet-and-greets and community stalls.
Organisers say the day is about both visibility and unity.
Portsmouth Pride’s Co-chair Tally Aslam told us:
"At the moment things can seem really bleak I think what pride can offer is a space for you to be your true authentic self for the day."
"It's a testament to Portsmouth on everything that we do as individuals, organisations and businesses. That's really been a massive highlight – seeing everyone coming together."
The event has grown rapidly in recent years and is now a key fixture on the South Coast’s cultural calendar. As UK Pride, Portsmouth is not only celebrating its local community but also welcoming people from across the country to join in.
Volunteer Samuel Poole shared a message of inclusion and action:
"We’re encouraging people to march, dance, or simply show up. Stand proud and stand with us."
"More work needs to be done to further educate people that love is love and that Pride is a protest and an ongoing journey to ensure that we live in a fair and equal society."
Portsmouth Pride 2025 is expected to be one of the city’s biggest ever, with a powerful message: Pride is a celebration, but it is also a protest — and that journey continues.