Bristol Pride has revealed the dates for its 2025 festival, a two-week celebration running from Saturday 28th June to Sunday 13th July, with the much-anticipated Pride Day set to return to The Downs on Saturday 12 July. Known for its electric atmosphere and unforgettable performances, Pride Day will see over 200 artists performing across five stages. Wristbands are now available, offering a range of perks to enhance the festival experience while supporting one of the UK’s most dynamic Pride events.
As one of the Top 30 Global Pride events, Bristol Pride continues to set the standard for inclusive and innovative celebrations. Last year’s festival drew record-breaking crowds, with headline performances from The Human League, Ladytron and Steps’ Claire Richards. Over the years, its stages have welcomed international icons like Jake Shears, Carly Rae Jepsen, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Mel C, solidifying its reputation for curating exceptional lineups. While the 2025 roster remains under wraps for now, anticipation is already building for a programme that promises to celebrate both established stars and emerging talent.
The festival also spans more than music; it’s a two-week showcase of comedy, theatre, circus and sports events that bring vibrancy and creativity to Bristol. Pride Day itself remains a cornerstone of the celebration, blending bold performances with a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. The Parade March, free for members of the public to join, remains a defining moment - an unapologetic display of unity, visibility and pride that winds through the heart of the city.
Wristbands are now available at bristolpride.co.uk. Early supporters will be entered into prize draws for exclusive items, including signed merchandise and food and drink vouchers. Essential for those who want to make the most of the Pride experience and starting at just £9, they include fast-track entry, free bus travel for the whole of Pride Day with First Bus, 50p off bar prices onsite for the whole day and dedicated discounts or freebies with food traders at the festival. There are also new-for-2024 festive bundle options on offer, so supporters can give the gift of Pride this Christmas.
As well as many festival perks, wristbands offer supporters of Pride an opportunity to contribute directly to elevating the voices of the wider LGBT+ community in Bristol. Additional options cater to every level of support: the Fast Track Day & Night Wristband adds entry to The Official Afterparty as well as other Pride night afterparties, while the Super Supporter Wristband offers access to a dedicated onsite space, which includes private bar and toilet access with views of both Main Stage and The Cabaret Stage. A portion of the sales from Super Supporter wristbands go directly to the Pride Community Fund, which helps deliver projects addressing important issues within under-represented groups and giving support to LGBT+ events that need an extra boost. New for 2025, non-wristband holders will need to pay for the dedicated shuttle service to The Downs, while wristband holders will continue to ride for free.
Bristol Pride is committed to ensuring the festival remains accessible to all, with a donation-entry option, while creating a sustainable future for the event. Wristband sales are vital to this effort, helping to fund not only the festival but also the charity’s year-round work. Pride Director, Eve Russell emphasises the significance of early sales, describing wristbands as the foundation of the event:
“We keep our wristband prices incredibly low so that people can still support us but no one is priced out. I can’t think of any other event where you can see the calibre and variety of acts for as little as £9. It’s amazing value considering there’s 10 hours of entertainment to enjoy and the sense of community that is created - not to mention the extras and discounts people get from having the wristband. It's a total no-brainer!”
The 2025 festival will once again feature the beloved Cabaret Stage, where drag performers from Rupaul’s Drag Race will join a lineup of rising stars. The Uplift Stage will highlight alternative queer talent, from punk bands to spoken word artists, while the Circus Tent promises breathtaking performances by leading LGBT+ acrobats. Family-friendly spaces, a lively marketplace and community areas will round out the Pride Day experience.
Bristol Pride remains a beacon for the LGBT+ community, combining celebration with advocacy. Pride Director, Daryn Carter MBE highlights its importance as both a cultural moment and a call to action:
“Bristol Pride is about more than coming together to celebrate, it’s a deep sense of community, representation and joy - and is about fostering a sense of belonging, showing solidarity and amplifying voices. Pride is a focal point to bring people together, raise our collective voices, be our authentic selves and top up our collective resilience. It’s an event where people see themselves reflected, supported and uplifted. That’s what makes it so vital.”
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