Best UK Prides in 2022: What to do and where to stay

Words: Attitude staff; Image: Shutterstock

In partnership with Hilton Hotels

Pride in London may have taken place over the weekend marking 50 years of Pride in the UK, but there are still plenty of upcoming Pride events happening all over the country this summer, each as raucous as the last.

If you’re looking to make the most of Pride with a mini-break weekend, you want the place you stay to be just as vibey and Pride-y as the celebrations outside. That’s why certain companies, like Hilton Hotels, have signed up to Pride 365, a collection of organisations that pledge to bring an end to pinkwashing by making inclusivity a priority all year round — not just during Pride.

As well as fostering a safe, inclusive, and comfortable working environment for its staff, Hilton aims to provide welcoming and trustworthy accommodation for all of its guests.

So, with Pride season in still in full swing, here’s our round-up of the best Prides still to come this summer, as well as where to stay while you’re there.

Bournemouth Pride

Saturday 9 July sees Bournemouth Pride, AKA Bourne Free, kicking off at 11am BST, with a parade that starts in The Triangle — the city’s LGBTQ+ hub — and moves past the Gardens, round to the Town Hall, and ends up at Meyrick Park — the new venue for the city’s annual Pride in the Park.

Sticking to this year’s theme, ‘Bourne Free Goes Green’, the event is the most eco-friendly yet, and boasts an iconic line-up that includes Sweet Female Attitude (think: ‘Flowers’ live!!), Sonique, Sinitta, Simon Webbe, and more.

Where to stay

Hilton Bournemouth

The Hilton Bournemouth is a few steps from the city centre (and therefore all the Pride action) and the gorgeous white sand beaches, and offers city-wide rooftop views, as well as a spa, which will probably be much-needed after the weekend’s over.

Liverpool Pride

Image: Shutterstock

To close out July, it’s time to make a trip along the Mersey, ready for Pride in Liverpool on 30 July. Like Pride in London, this is the first Liverpool Pride to be held since 2019, so get ready for it to go out with a bang.

The march is set to start at 12pm BST from St. George’s Plateau (though you can congregate from 10:30am), but the route — and the line-up — are still TBC.

Where to stay

You can retreat to the Hilton Liverpool City Centre for riverside views, as well as the city’s historical sites (and shopping centre) — there’s even a 24-hour fitness centre if you want to sweat out the hangover after Pride.

Brighton Pride

Image: Shutterstock

Brighton’s parade has also been absent for the last two years, but the 2022 iteration — set to be held on 6 August — marks Brighton & Hove Pride’s (delayed) 30th anniversary. The theme is ‘Love, Protest, & Unity’, which aims to declare love for all LGBTQ+ siblings, acknowledge Pride’s protest roots, and fight for equality for everyone.

Brighton’s march will begin at 11am BST at Hove Lawns, and will end at Preston Park with ‘WE ARE FABULOSO’ — where the headline act is none other than pop legend Christina Aguilera. Other stars on the line-up include Ella Henderson, Todrick Hall, Raye, and Drag Race UK’s Bimini and Tia Kofi.

Where to stay

For those looking for a seaside view after singing their hearts out at Christina Aguilera, the Hilton Brighton Metropole will tick your boxes. Boasting an indoor pool, sauna, and steam room, the hotel is walking distance from the bustling bars and shops of The Lanes, as well as the pier and historic Royal Pavilion.

Manchester Pride

Last but definitely not least is Manchester Pride, which is set to be held over the bank holiday on 27 August. This year’s theme is ‘March for Peace’, with organisers stressing “the importance of peace in a world where all LGBTQ+ people are free to live and love without prejudice at its heart”.

Commencing at 12pm BST at the junction of Liverpool Road and Deansgate, the Manchester parade will end at Fairfield Street (don’t fear, the map is on the way).

To coincide with the parade, the city is hosting its Gay Village Party, which opens on Friday 26 and continues throughout the weekend. Performers include the likes of Spice Girls and Girls Aloud superstars Melanie C and Nadine Coyle, as well as Charity Shop Sue, Ginny Lemon, Kitty Scott-Claus, Nimmo, and more.

Where to stay

For those heading to Manchester, you can continue your peace-themed weekend by relaxing by the pool at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate, or sipping brightly-coloured cocktails on the 23-story high rooftop bar. And then, when you’re ready to head back to Pride, you’re just a scenic lift ride away.