Pride in Gloucestershire

Pride in Gloucestershire is a community-led charity that exists to celebrate, support and champion LGBTQ+ people across the county. Built on the principles of inclusion, visibility and community connection, Pride in Gloucestershire works year-round to create safe, welcoming spaces where people can be themselves, access support, and feel part of something bigger.

This year is a particularly significant moment in the charity’s history as it marks 20 years of Pride in Gloucestershire. Over two decades, the organisation has grown from a single Pride event into a county-wide movement that brings together individuals, businesses, allies, volunteers and partners to celebrate diversity while continuing to challenge discrimination and inequality.

What Pride in Gloucestershire is aiming to achieve this year

The focus for this milestone year is not only celebration, but legacy. Pride in Gloucestershire is working to deliver events and programmes that:

• Increase visibility and representation of LGBTQ+ communities across all parts of the county
• Create safe, inclusive environments where everyone feels welcome
• Strengthen connections between communities, organisations and local partners
• Celebrate local LGBTQ+ culture, talent and history
• Build long-term sustainability so Pride can continue to grow for future generations

Alongside large-scale celebration, the organisation continues to prioritise community engagement, accessibility, volunteer development and partnerships that have a lasting impact beyond a single day of events.

The 2026 Pride Events

As part of its county-wide approach, Pride in Gloucestershire will deliver three main Pride events, each with its own identity but united by a shared mission:

• Cheltenham Pride – a vibrant celebration bringing together entertainment, community spaces and visibility in the heart of Cheltenham.
• The Festival of Pride (The County Pride) – a flagship city event showcasing LGBTQ+ culture, performance and community engagement at scale.

Together, these events ensure that Pride is not limited to one location or audience, but truly accessible to people across Gloucestershire.

20 Years of Pride in Gloucestershire

The 20-year anniversary is more than a milestone. It is an opportunity to honour the volunteers, community leaders, performers, allies and supporters who have shaped Pride’s journey while looking forward to the future.

Throughout the year, Pride in Gloucestershire will celebrate this legacy through special events, partnerships and fundraising initiatives designed to secure the next chapter. The focus is on celebrating how far the community has come while recognising that there is still work to do to ensure equality, safety and visibility for everyone.

Why it matters

Pride in Gloucestershire believes that Pride is more than a single event. It is a platform for celebration, a voice for communities and a space where people can connect, belong and thrive. Every event, partnership and fundraiser helps strengthen that mission and ensures Pride continues to grow for the next 20 years and beyond.