'Celebrate life': Thousands celebrate first day of Leeds Pride 2026 as it marks 20 years

Thousands have flooded the city centre to celebrate a spectacular Leeds Pride landmark, as attendees stress its importance.

Kicking-off today (June 18), the event is marking its 20th anniversary in true style. For the first time ever, it is set to run over two days - with the much-anticipated parade taking place on Sunday (July 19).

The inaugural event, then known as Leeds Gay Pride, attracted roughly 6,500 people. This year's celebrations are expected to attract 75,000 visitors across the weekend and support from nearly 250 local businesses.

To help kick-off the blockbuster weekend, attendees have been treated to live music, tribute acts and cabaret in the Leeds Pride Village on Lower Briggate today. Including performances from Atomic Kitten's Natasha Hamilton, Deville and Disco to Duvet.

People have travelled from across Leeds as well as West Yorkshire and beyond to enjoy the celebrations. The weather has been slightly cooler than recent weeks, but the sun is expected to come out for the parade on Sunday.

Speaking on the importance of events like Leeds Pride, Lilly, 17, who had travelled from Saltburn-by-the-Sea said: “It makes people feel more comfortable being themselves and who they are.

“This is a safe space for everyone.

Michael O’Brian, 60, from Rochdale said: “I’ve never done Leeds Pride before, it’s only an hour away from Rochdale on the train, so I thought, let’s give it a go.

“Normally it is on the Sunday, now it is on the Saturday so it opens it up to a lot of other people, which is fabulous.

Talking about the best part of Leeds Pride, Michael added: “Meeting new people, celebrating everyone’s individuality, and just having a good time really, but also not forgetting that it is a protest and not a party, that’s the main part really. We are all coming together to protest and party.”

Angela Milburn, 61, was most looking forward to “good company and good music” and just “enjoying life”. She added: “It is nice to be inclusive, to include everybody, and to party. Celebrate life.”

Mohit Kakodiya, who has just entered into his 30s, travelled down from Newcastle to attend Leeds Pride. Mohit said: “I’m looking forward to spending this time with my lovely friends and family.”

Mohit was also excited to see all the “very nice costumes”, to give inspiration for next year.

Discussing why it is important for Leeds to host its annual pride event, Mohit explained: “When I was a child in my country and when I was 11, I wanted to be a trans woman but I didn’t see Pride and I didn’t see people coming out. So, it is important that people still do it, so the younger children on the streets see us and we can give a bit of hope.”

The legendary Leeds Pride parade will return in just under 24 hours with it due to begin at 12.30pm tomorrow.

The route will see thousands of participants, floats, and community groups march across the heart of the city centre, starting from Leeds Town Hall and weaving through the streets all the way down to The Calls.

We spoke to Terry George ahead of the 20th anniversary celebrations, who said that ‘love will always be stronger than hate’. He also declared: “Leeds has always been a city with a big heart”.