Pride in Liverpool 2025 cancelled
LCR Pride Foundation says it's down to financial pressures
LCR Pride Foundation, the organisation behind Pride in Liverpool and the city’s annual March with Pride, has cancelled this summer's event.
It was due to take place on Saturday 26th July
In a statement, the foundation’s Board of Directors said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of this year’s Pride in Liverpool and March with Pride.
“In recent months the charity has faced significant financial and organisational challenges, which have impacted timescales and resulted in it reverting to an almost entirely volunteer-led operation. This, combined with rising costs and difficulty securing national and local funding, has made it impossible to bring Pride in Liverpool to the city this year.”
The foundation also cited the decision to end its partnership with Barclays as a factor that contributed to planning delays. “While we are confident that this was the right decision, it is one that has had a substantial impact at an already challenging time.”
Despite the efforts of a small team working with partners and sponsors up until late May, organisers were unable to find a way forward for this year’s event. The foundation expressed deep regret over the cancellation, particularly at a time when community solidarity is vital.
“We are devastated that we will not be able to march together this year… However, we strongly believe that it is the right decision to ensure both the continuation of the organisation and to enable the return of Pride in Liverpool and our march in 2026.”
Planning for 2026 and community focus
Discussions with Liverpool City Council and potential city-based sponsors are already underway to secure the event’s future. The foundation said its priority is building “a sustainable foundation” for an annual, community-led celebration aligned with its values.
LCR Pride Foundation also confirmed plans to promote alternative events over the Pride weekend and support a series of regional Prides across the Liverpool City Region.
These include:
Sefton Pride – 14th June, Salt & Tar, Bootle
Halton Pride – 5th July, Runcorn Linnets Football Club
St Helens Pride – 12th July, Willowbrook – The Living Well
Knowsley Pride – 19th July, Court Hey Park, Huyton
Wirral Pride – 9th August, Victoria Quarter, New Brighton
The foundation is also exploring new ways to engage the LGBTQ+ community later in the year and is recruiting trustees to help fulfil its mission of making Liverpool City Region the most LGBTQ+ friendly in the UK.
City Council response
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said: “It’s hugely disappointing that LCR Pride Foundation are having to cancel Pride in Liverpool and March with Pride, especially given the success of last year’s event and how important it has become for our LGBTQ+ community.
“It’s absence this year will be keenly felt… However, given the difficult circumstances they find themselves in it’s also understandable and from a long-term point of view, it’s the right decision for them.
“The Council has had discussions with the Foundation over the last few weeks, and we will continue to assist them to ensure our community can once again march with pride in 2026.”
Refunds and support
Any organisations that registered for the 2025 march will be refunded and no invoices will be issued. Supporters are encouraged to contribute to the foundation’s mission via their official website: LCR Pride Foundation