It's almost time for one of the most eagerly anticipated days on the Bristol Pride calendar.
Bristol Pride is already in full swing with LGBT+ focused events springing up all over the city. From circus nights, to dog shows, to gaming events - there's something for everybody in the lead up to the South West's biggest pride parade and festival.
Following the arrival of more than 40,000 people at the last event back in 2019, more attendees than ever are expected to take part in the festivities on Saturday, July 9. With a huge parade set to wind through the city centre, and the event's biggest ever festival relocating to a bigger home on The Downs again, there's a lot to think about when preparing for one of the key events of the summer.
READ MORE: Our guide to Pride Month in Bristol this June
From lineups, to bag policy, to bus services, we've put together a guide to everything you need to know - so whether you're a seasoned attendee or taking part in your first ever march we've got you covered.
The much anticipated Bristol Pride has consisted of two weeks' worth of events and activities across the city. One of the festival’s standout events to take place is Pride Day, which after a two-year absence due to COVID restrictions, is back and, most definitely, bigger and better.
Making its comeback in The Downs, the event will see multiple stages featuring some of the biggest names in live music entertainment, as well as emerging talent such as community groups in Bristol and local artists. Here's a guide to everything you need to know.
Pride parade route and timings
The parade for the Pride March is one of the main events of the festival with tens of thousands of people expected to attend this year. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Pride marches in the UK and it still forms a vital part of the event to this day.
Anyone can take part in the Pride Parade although larger companies and organisations that empower the LGBTQ+ community are encouraged to register to signpost their commitment. Bristol Pride's walking parade will be vehicle and float-free due to health and safety as well as the nature of the route this year.
The parade will gather at Castle Park from 10am and will depart at 10.45am. The route is step-free, approximately two miles long and will take about 1 hour to complete.
Those with restricted mobility or wheelchair users have been advised the loop around Cabot Circus may be difficult due to a steep incline up Union Street. This can be minimised by carrying along Newgate and joining the parade again at the end of Wine Street for the final section towards the Amphitheatre.
Wristbands: Do I need one?
Despite a move to a much larger site on The Downs, Bristol Pride remains a donation-only event - meaning that it can remain open and accessible to all those wishing to join in. For just £7 however, Bristol Pride have introduced Pride Day Supporter wristbands which will allow attendees to donate to the festival - and get access to lots of benefits in the process.
Advance purchases of wristbands can also be made to speed up entry to the festival site and representatives have alerted that the provision of contact details can allow them to advise on any changes to the entry policy, as a result of COVID. Children can be granted access for free; however, under 16s will need to be accompanied by an adult to comply with regulations.
Purchase of a wristband ensures:
- Money off at the Pride bars
- Free Travel on Pride Day with First Bus [Bristol Zone]
- Free travel on the Pride Day shuttle service
- Discounts or freebies with food traders on Pride Day
- Dedicated festival entry gate lane
- Discounted 6 O’clock Gin and tonic from Undershed at Watershed the whole of Pride Weekend
- Discounted journeys with Bristol Ferry on Pride Day
Other wristband packages have already sold out although some tickets to the Pride after-parties on Saturday remain available. For more information about all the wristband options, visit the Bristol Pride website by clicking here.
Bristol Pride festival line-up
Headlining Pride Day will be Canadian superstar Carly Rae Jepsen, as well as over 100 acts across five stages that will include the likes of Canada’s Drag Race winner of Season 1, Priyanka, rock band Katrina And The Waves, drag queen Mary Mac and many, many more. There are five stages on offer at this year's huge Pride Day festival, running from 12pm to 9.30pm.
We've laid out the full lineup for the main stage below, so you'll know exactly where to head to make the most of the action - to find the line up for the Cabaret Stage, Dance Performance Stage, Get Qweird Stage, and Circus Tent - as well as areas such as the silent disco, click here.
In a previous statement , Daryn Carter, Bristol Pride's director of programming, spoke of this year’s acts by stating: "We are so excited to welcome global superstar Carly Rae Jepsen to headline this year’s Bristol Pride Festival. With number 1s in over 47 countries, two Grammy nominations and AMA’s Best New Artist Award winner, she’s a worldwide icon and outspoken supporter of the LGBT+ community.
"Bristol Pride is one of the largest Pride events in the UK and this year we have our biggest ever line up as we come back together after two years apart. The headline set from Carly Rae Jepsen is going to be a truly special performance that marks the close of two weeks of events celebrating Pride, and showcasing our community across the city."
In addition, the outdoor multi-stage festival will contain a highly embraced return of the Pride Big Top, Family Zone, Youth Area and Community Area, as well as plenty of bars, food, markets for attendees to enjoy in abundance.
With Jepsen headlining, Ana Matronic will be continuing the major festivities at Bristol Pride’s official after party at O2 Academy Bristol on July 9, who will be joined by rising local talent such as DTYM, Dirty Pop, Trans Pride South West & more.
Food and drink
The Pride Day festival will feature a range of onsite food options to suit all diets and appetites, from burgers to vegan cuisine. Attendees who have purchased a Supporter Wristband will be eligible for discounts or extras from each of the stalls, and will also get money off at all onsite bars. This year's festival also includes a brand new craft bar for pints and a cocktail bar.
The key thing to know about this year is that the event on The Downs in card only. If you don’t have a bank card you can bring cash and exchange it for a temporary card that you can use. Some of the food traders may still take cash.
These are the food stalls that will be available on the day:
- Amore Pizza
- Burger Joint
- Desy Thai
- Duck Shed
- Greek Wraps
- Guildable Manor
- Loaded Fries
- Mr Roast Potato
- Nawa Kitchen
- Olives & Stuff
- Platelas
- Sausage Fest
- Unstabled
Free drinking water will be made available throughout the event, and attendees are reminded that no alcohol is allowed to be brought onto the site of the festival.
How to get to the festival via public transport
Attendees at this year's pride festival are encouraged to take the bus wherever possible, with free rides on First Bus with a supporter's wristband and a shuttle bus between Millennium Square at The Downs
Those travelling from the city centre can board the 1, 2, 3, or 4 First Bus services from College Green (P1) or The Cenotaph in the City centre (C10) throughout the day to get to The Downs. The same services can also be taken from outside the Clifton Down Shopping Centre for those who opt to take the train to Clifton Down Station.
A dedicated shuttle bus will also operate throughout Pride Day, sponsored by the University of Bristol, between Millennium Square and The Downs. The shuttle will start at 11.30am, and will run through to 7.30pm. Although buses will be available all day, services are expected to be extremely bus and therefore attendees are asked to travel on foot wherever possible.
Where to park
With more than 30,000 expected to descend on the city centre in celebration of pride, attendees are advised to avoid travelling to and from the festival by car wherever possible. Car parks are expected to be extremely busy, but NCP car parks have released information about booking a space ahead of time to ensure you'll have somewhere central to park up and get involved in the festivities.
There are five car parks - Prince Street, Queen Charlotte Street, Rupert Street, Nelson Street, and Broadmead, in the city centre to choose between, all of which are open to pre-booking. To find out more information, visit the NCP website here.
What is the bag policy?
Bag searches will be in place at the festival to ensure maximum security throughout the event, with attendees asked not to bring a bag at all unless absolutely necessary. Soft drinks are allowed, but must be in sealed bottles, and no glass is allowed on site.
No alcohol is allowed into the festival, but the purchase of a supporter wristband offers discounts at every bar onsite. As usual, there is a zero tolerance drugs policy - including so-called 'legal' highs - and all drugs found will be treated with normal enforcement laws, police will be called, and those in possession will be ejected from the site.
Any other questions?
The official Bristol Pride website should be your go-to for any other questions - whether you're looking for more details about the events over the coming days, or have specific questions about entry or accessibility, you'll find your answer online. For more information about Bristol Pride, you can visit the Bristol Pride website to book tickets and more by clicking here .
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