Basingstoke Pride returning with parade this weekend

Taking place on Saturday, August 22, the event will feature a lively town centre parade and a free, family-friendly festival packed with entertainment, community stalls and activities.

Basingstoke Pride aims to honour the LGBTQ+ community and its allies while creating a welcoming space for all.

Basingstoke Pride is returning with a parade, live entertainment and after party. (Image: Basingstoke Pride.)

The day begins at 11am with the annual Pride parade, starting at the intersection of Church Street and Cross Street.

It will wind through the town and finish at the Amphitheatre, next to the Vue cinema and The Angel.

From midday, the main Pride event will kick off, offering a packed schedule of live entertainment.

Performers include Paige Three, Jack Trinder, Just Bailey, BATS, the Chappell Rae Tribute Act, Zarla and Adam & Apple.

The festival will also feature a variety of food stalls and drinks vendors, as well as community organisations.

A diverse selection of stalls from charities, community groups, businesses and independent traders will offer information, support, shopping and activities.

This year’s Pride is supported by headline sponsors TD SYNNEX and South Western Railway.

A spokesperson for TD SYNNEX, one of the event’s sponsors, said: "Pride is more than a celebration.

"It's a powerful way to foster connection, visibility, and support.

"For many, events like this are a lifeline, helping people find community, make friends, and discover local support groups and charities they connect with.

"Your presence makes a difference. Allyship doesn't always need to be loud. Sometimes, just showing up is enough."

A South Western Railway spokesperson added: "As the home of our operating centre, Basingstoke is the heart of our network.

"We are proud to sponsor Basingstoke Pride and, alongside Network Rail Wessex, support all our LGBT+ customers and colleagues, both locally and across our region.

"Everyone deserves to live, work and travel safely and with confidence, and we hope all those celebrating have a fantastic day."

The evening will conclude with the official Pride After Party at The Tea Bar, hosted by Grace Anatomy and sponsored by South Western Railway, giving attendees another opportunity to come together and celebrate into the evening.

An event spokesperson said: "With a growing programme and increasing attendance each year, Basingstoke Pride continues to establish itself as a key date in the town's events calendar – a day designed not just to celebrate, but to create a visible, inclusive and supportive space for the local community."

Free tickets are available at basingstokepride.co.uk, and organisers are encouraging people to register in advance.