Bristol Pride 2026: Everything you need to know as Sister Sledge, Jason Donovan and Jodie Harsh are confirmed
"Pride is both a celebration and a protest and every ticket helps us to continue creating a space that is inclusive, accessible and meaningful for everyone," said director of Bristol Pride, Daryn Carter MBE
By Aaron Sugg
Bristol Pride is back, and bigger than ever, with a city-wide programme of events leading up to the main Pride Day on Saturday 11 July 2026.
Bristol Pride was relaunched in 2010 and has been running in its current form for 16 years, although the city’s first Pride-related event dates back to 1977.
Ahead of the big day, Daryn Carter MBE, director of Bristol Pride, said in a news release: “We’re excited to share more of this year’s programme as Pride returns to the city.”
“It’s a celebration of everything that makes our community so vibrant” – director of Bristol Pride, Daryn Carter MBE, ahead of the 2026 celebration
“From community events and grassroots performance to major headline acts, it’s a celebration of everything that makes our community so vibrant. Pride is both a celebration and a protest and every ticket helps us to continue creating a space that is inclusive, accessible and meaningful for everyone,” he added.
“With a packed programme spanning two weeks and a huge Pride Day finale, Bristol Pride 2026 promises to once again bring the city together in celebration, solidarity and joy.”
The celebrations begin well in advance of the main Pride Day. Saturday 27 June marks the start of Bristol Pride, with the festival opening with a Pride Bingo Boat Party on the harbourside.
What can attendees expect from Bristol Pride 2026?
On Thursday 2 July, attendees can experience Pride Circus Night at Circomedia, expect Cirque du Soleil, but make it even more camp, as for one night only it will showcase LGBTQ+ circus performers featuring acrobatics, comedy and spectacle at the UK’s renowned home of contemporary circus.
The next day, Bristol Pride Ceilidh will take over The Lantern, Bristol Beacon on Friday 3 July. Expect an inclusive dance night led by queer ceilidh trio BEARPIT.
Pride isn’t just for people – Bristol Pride is making it inclusive for your furry friends as well. Saturday 4 July sees the Pride Dog Show at Castle Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring their pets for competitions including Waggiest Tail, Best Trick and Musical Sit, with Bristol Animal Rescue Centre attending.
Bristol Pride culminates on Saturday 11 July
From Monday 6 to Wednesday 8 July, the creators of Murder, She Didn’t Write will premiere a brand new improvised queer romance show, The Blank Who Blanked Me!, at the Wardrobe Theatre.
On Thursday 9 July, the festival’s much-loved comedy night returns to the Bristol Old Vic, hosted by Bristol favourite Jayde Adams. The line-up will feature leading LGBTQ+ comedians including Sophie Duker.
The celebrations culminate on Saturday 11 July with Pride Day, when around 40,000 people are expected to take part in the Pride Parade March through Bristol city centre, before heading to the main festival on The Downs.
Jodie Harsh will take Bristol Pride into the early hours
The Main Stage will be headlined by disco legends Sister Sledge, with performances from Jason Donovan in the Afternoon Legend slot, alongside Black Box, Chloe Qisha, Absolute Britney and Kelly Llorena.
The Cabaret Stage will feature stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK including Myki Meeks and Catrin Feelings, and other local Bristol drag celebrities.
But it doesn’t stop there, as attendees are invited to the Official Afterparty at the O2 Academy Bristol, headlined by DJ and queen of the London queer scene, Jodie Harsh.
Tickets and full event listings are available now at via the official Bristol Pride website.