Leeds has hosted its biggest Pride event to date, with 80’000 people attending this year’s festival.
Revellers turned out in their thousands for the celebration, which for the first time included a week-long calendar of events culminating in the biggest parade and party the city has seen.
The main stage on Lower Briggate played host to world class DJ and chart-topping artist, Sonique, X Factor winner, Louisa Johnson and popular 90s dance acts Baby D and Alex Party, while the parade stage in Millenium Square also offered an eclectic programme of musical acts and performers.
Call Lane got in on the action this year too as a new addition to the festival footprint, making the event the largest in scale since it first began in the city in 2006.
The legendary parade included 195 walking and vehicle floats and saw a record 238 businesses take part in the festival, including local non-profit organisations, independent vendors, venues, national and regional businesses and charities. Leeds-based airline operator Jet2holidays was this year’s headline sponsor.
Thousands of allies lined the streets to support the celebration with lots of dancing and cheering for the DJs, drag queens and fabulous entertainment along the route.
Leeds Pride spokesperson, Terry George said: “It's been a phenomenal turn out for this year’s Leeds Pride. The event just gets better every year and that’s thanks to all those who come and celebrate with us, and all the fantastic businesses that sponsor and support it, we couldn’t do it without them.
“It’s incredible to have Leeds now hosting one of the largest free Pride festivals in the UK. The atmosphere this year was electric, with a great sense of solidarity and unity. Each year the city surpasses itself in its support of Leeds Pride and we are already looking forward to planning next year’s event, which will take place on Sunday July 20, so save the date!”
Leeds Pride is one of the largest one-day festivals in Yorkshire and a major contributor to the local economy.
The event is free to attend and has seen numbers grow year on year, with more allies than ever before heading into the city to let their hair down and show their support.
Defined by a strong community-driven spirit, Leeds Pride is run by a team of skilled and dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure the event remains completely free for all who wish to attend. This is only possible through the team's solid fundraising and sponsorship outreach which allows the event to achieve the high level of quality attendees have come to expect.
Leeds Pride attracts people from all over the UK and overseas and is one of the highlights of the city’s busy summer events schedule.
