Ultimate Guide to the London Pride Parade in 2025

The grand finale of London Pride is the parade that kicks off from Park Lane at noon on the final Saturday, long enough for the heat of the previous Pride celebrations to dissipate. The 2025 London Pride Parade will take place on July 5, 2025. More than 300 groups and floats will set out from Hyde Park Corner, passing through Trafalgar Square and ending in Whitehall.

In addition, there will be free entertainment throughout the day on five stages and a family zone around Soho and the West End. Here's what you need to know about the 2025 London Pride Parade. We also highly recommend Jackery Portable Power Station, a portable power supply for powering electronics and devices during the parade.

What Is the London Pride Parade? 

London Pride Parade, also known as London LGBT+ Pride, is a grand LGBTQ+ (homosexual, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other groups) celebration held annually in London, England. It aims to advocate equality, diversity, and inclusion while commemorating the historical LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Historical Background of the London Pride Parade

The earliest London Pride Parade can be traced back to 1970 when 150 men marched at Highbury Stadium in north London. The first official pride parade in the UK was the "Gay Pride Rally", held on July 1, 1972, with about 2,000 people participating. It was mainly inspired by the "Stonewall Riots" in the United States in 1969. As public support for gay rights grew, the scale of the pride parade continued to expand.

In 1983, the event was renamed the "Gay Pride Parade" to be more inclusive. For example 1992, London held the first European Pride Parade, with 100,000 people participating.

In 2004, the London Pride Festival was officially established. Activities included a political rally in Trafalgar Square, a main parade, and various parties and festivals held in different parks in London. By 2007, the London Pride Parade had been held for the 35th time and had developed into one of the world's largest and most participated-in pride celebrations.

The Social Significance of the London Pride Parade

The early London Pride Parade was a strong protest, calling for the abolition of discriminatory laws, such as the law that prohibited the teaching of homosexuality in schools in the UK before 1999.

Today, the London Pride Parade has both celebration and advocacy significance. It emphasises the social achievements and existing challenges of the LGBTQ+ community. The parade mainly promotes equal rights for LGBTQ+ people, opposes prejudices such as homophobia and transphobia, and provides a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to express themselves.

When Is the London Pride Parade in 2025?  

The grand finale of the London Pride Festival is the grand parade at noon last Saturday. At that time, hundreds of floats and performers sang and danced through the streets of London to celebrate this grand, lively and meaningful parade. As one of the oldest pride parades in the UK, the London Pride Parade attracts about one million visitors to London every year.

When Will the London Pride Parade Be Held in 2025?

The London Pride Parade is usually held in June or July each year, echoing the global "Pride Month" activities. The 2025 London Pride Parade will be held on Saturday, July 5. It will start at noon and end at 6 p.m. The carefully designed route will wind through the most iconic areas of central London and showcase London's most famous landmarks.

The 2025 London Pride Parade will start from Hyde Park Corner, pass through the bustling Piccadilly Circus, along the Haymarket, along the aptly named Cockspur Street, to the historic Trafalgar Square, and finally to Whitehall Square.

Overview of the 2025 London Pride Parade

The London Pride Parade, which will take place on Saturday, July 5, 2025, will attract more than 30,000 participants and up to one million spectators. It brings together 500 groups, including LGBTQ+ community organisations, businesses, and partners. The parade is led by LGBTQ+ community groups, and together with many supporters, it showcases the long history and continued progress of London's diverse LGBTQ+ community.

Who Can Attend the London Pride Parade in 2025?

The 2025 London Pride Parade is an inclusive event that welcomes everyone who supports equality and rights for the LGBTQ+ community. Here are the people who can usually participate in the parade and what to note:

LGBTQ+ Individuals and Allies

Anyone who supports equal rights can participate, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. But if you want to sign up for the London Pride Parade as an individual or with a group of friends, please stay tuned for the latest news on its official website. The London Pride Parade official expects to open applications for individuals and flag bearers in mid-May 2025.

LGBTQ+ Organizations and Communities

The London Pride Parade official only accepts applications from organisations and groups, including well-known community groups, employee networks, nonprofit organisations, public sector organisations, and companies interested in participating in the parade. Group registration is now on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition, all corporate and commercial participants must become members of the city's Pride Festival, which was launched last year, to participate in the parade. Now that the quota is complete, the London Pride Parade official will use a waiting list, prioritising LGBTQ+ organisations.

LGBTQ+ community groups enjoy free entry, and all other group ticket prices remain the same. The price depends on the group you apply for.

(Data Source: events.prideinlondon.org)

In addition, LGBTQ+ organisations and societies can voluntarily donate 20% to the London Pride Parade's solidarity fund.

Volunteers

Each year, the London Pride Parade requires a team of more than 1,000 talented volunteers to make this grand celebration go smoothly. Therefore, most people can apply to volunteer on the 2025 London Pride Parade day. However, volunteers must be over 18 years old.

Spectators

The entire parade and most London Pride events are free, and no tickets are required. Visitors can choose a suitable location along the way to immerse themselves in the celebration.

Visitors who want a premium viewing experience can book tickets for stands with comfortable seats and unobstructed views. For example, the 2024 stand area is in Haymarket, while the stand area for the 2025 London Pride Parade is in Piccadilly.

Best Places to Watch London Pride 2025

The 2025 London Pride Parade is one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in Europe, and the route usually starts from Hyde Park Corner, passes through Piccadilly Circus, Haymarket and Trafalgar Square, and finally arrives at Whitehall. Here is a detailed guide to the best places to watch the parade:

 (Data Source: prideinlondon.org)

Hyde Park Corner

This is the starting point of the London Pride Parade and the first place along the route where spectators are officially allowed to enter so that you can see the grand opening first. It is close to the speeches and performances, and the atmosphere is warm, suitable for those who want to experience the whole process. However, it is usually crowded here, so you must reserve a seat beforehand. It is recommended that you arrive before 10 a.m.

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is in the city centre, surrounded by large screens and commercial areas. The parade will slow down here, and the performances will be richer. In addition, cafes and shops near Piccadilly Circus are convenient for resting or replenishing supplies. However, the flow of people here is enormous, so you must reserve a seat 2-3 hours in advance.

This year's London Pride Parade will have a grandstand in Piccadilly (detailed address: 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL), which will open at 11 a.m. The price is £55 to £75.

Haymarket

Haymarket is slightly less crowded than Piccadilly Circus and has a wide view, which is suitable for families or people who want a more comfortable environment. In addition, it is close to Leicester Square, and you can quickly transfer to surrounding activities after the parade. However, the London Pride Parade will pass Haymarket quickly, so you need to oversee it.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is the core area before the end of the London Pride Parade. It usually has the main stage and free concerts; the celebration atmosphere is the strongest here. You must arrive early to watch the performances up close here. In addition, the high steps around Trafalgar Square (such as in front of the National Gallery) can provide a bird' s-eye view. However, the square is extremely crowded in the afternoon, making it difficult for spectators to move.

Whitehall

Whitehall, close to the Houses of Parliament and Downing Street, is the last stop of the London Pride Parade. The final stage of the parade is relatively relaxed, suitable for those who don't want to squeeze into the front row. Afterwards, many marchers will head to the South Bank or Soho to continue celebrating. However, some road sections near Whitehall may be closed due to safety restrictions.

In short, please plan your route and choose the location to watch the London Pride Parade 2025 according to your personal preferences.

Tips for Attending the London Pride Parade in 2025

London Pride 2025 is one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in Europe and is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of people, so extra care is required. Here are some practical tips and precautions for attending the parade to help you experience this event safely and enjoyably:

Tip 1: Dress Comfortably

When attending the London Pride Parade, your clothes can be rainbow-coloured or sequined. In addition, you may need to stand or walk for several hours, so you need to wear a pair of comfortable shoes.

Tip 2: Prepare for Weather Changes

London's weather is changeable, so bring light rain gear (folding umbrella/raincoat) and a warm jacket to avoid getting caught in the rain. Wear sunscreen (SPF50+) and sunglasses to prevent UV damage if the weather is sunny.

Tip 3: Bring Enough Necessities

Bring enough water and snacks to replenish your energy if you plan to attend a full-day event. In addition, a small and lightweight portable power station, like Jackery Portable Power Station, can help recharge your mobile phone or camera in time. However, large backpacks, glass containers, and flammable and explosive items may not be allowed.

Tip 4: Keep Your Belongings Safe

Many people will be during the parade, so keep your phone and wallet safe. Avoid exposing large amounts of cash or valuables in crowded areas. If you carry valuables such as passports and money, keep them close to you.

Tip 5: Respect LGBTQ+ Culture

During the London Pride Parade, be inclusive, respect the expressions of different groups, and avoid offensive words and deeds. For example, they should not touch other people's clothes or bodies without permission and should respect personal space. Ask before taking photos, especially involving drag performers or children. In addition, avoid offensive or culturally appropriate content in slogans or costumes.

Tip 6: The Need for Barrier-Free Facilities

The London Pride Parade officials need to assess the needs of people who want to use barrier-free facilities to allocate resources better and customise barrier-free facilities and services. Registration for barrier-free facilities required for the 2025 London Pride Festival will be open soon.

Jackery Portable Power Stations Explained

Taking a Jackery Portable Power Station to the London Pride Parade can be a fantastic idea to enhance your experience and ensure you stay connected and powered up throughout a long and exciting day.

Pride parades are all about community, sharing, and celebration. You'll likely take many photos and videos, post on social media, use event apps (like Pride in London's official app for maps, schedules, and updates), and coordinate with friends in large crowds. All this activity drains your phone battery quickly. A Jackery will ensure you can keep your phone charged all day.

Pride is often experienced with a group. You can be the hero with a portable power station, allowing friends to top up their phones, too. Here, we highly recommend Jackery Explorer 100 Plus and 240 v2.

Jackery Explorer 100 Plus

Taking a Jackery Explorer 100 Plus to the London Pride Parade in 2025 could be a good option if you must keep your USB-powered devices running and prioritise portability. Here's why it might be beneficial, along with its limitations for such an event:

Ultra-Portability: Weighing just over 2 pounds, the Explorer 100 Plus is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry in a backpack or small bag throughout the parade. This is a significant advantage when navigating crowds and moving between different viewing spots or events.  

Charging Smartphones: Its 99Wh capacity can recharge a typical smartphone multiple times (around 6-8 times for an iPhone 14). This ensures you can stay connected with friends, use navigation apps, and capture countless photos and videos of the celebration.  

Powering Smaller USB Devices: It's ideal for keeping smaller devices like smartwatches, wireless headphones (many charges), and potentially small USB-powered LED lights or decorations running. With two USB-C ports (one supporting up to 100W Power Delivery for faster charging of compatible phones and smaller tablets) and one USB-A port, you can charge up to three devices simultaneously.

Relatively Fast Recharging: You can quickly recharge it before heading to the parade via a wall outlet (around 1.8 hours) or a car charger (around 2.5 hours). If you plan to be out for a very long day, you could also recharge it with a compatible portable solar panel (sold separately) if you have a spot to set it up.

Limitation*: While sufficient for phones and small accessories, it won't power larger devices for extended periods. For example, it might only slightly boost a larger tablet or won't power most laptops for any significant duration. So, you can also choose Explorer 240 v2 if you want to power more electronics.

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Jackery Explorer 240 v2

Taking a Jackery Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station to the London Pride Parade in 2025 significantly increases power and versatility compared to the Explorer 100 Plus, making it a more robust solution for a broader range of needs during the event.

Significantly Larger Capacity (240Wh): This larger capacity allows you to charge your smartphone many more times, keep tablets running for longer, and power other USB devices for extended periods without recharging the power station itself as frequently.

AC Outlet for Versatility: The key advantage of the Explorer 240 V2 is its AC outlet. This opens up possibilities for powering devices that require a standard wall socket, such as: If your professional camera or camcorder uses a wall charger, you can keep your batteries topped up throughout the day. Enjoy a more powerful breeze to stay cool in the crowds compared to USB-powered fans.

Reduced Need for Recharging: The larger capacity means you won't need to find a place to recharge the power station during the parade, allowing you to focus on enjoying the event. The Explorer 240 V2 typically includes USB-A ports, USB-C ports, and the crucial AC outlet, allowing you to charge various devices simultaneously.

Quiet and Safe Operation: Like other Jackery power stations, it operates silently and includes safety features to protect your devices and the power station itself.

Note*: While still portable with a carry handle, the Explorer 240 V2 is heavier and bulkier than the Explorer 100 Plus. Consider if the added power and AC outlet are worth the extra weight and size for your needs.

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Other Entertainment During the London Pride Parade 2025

In addition to the iconic parade, the 2025 London Pride Parade is also expected to feature a wide range of entertainment and events. Although the 2025 London Pride event is yet to be announced, here are some of the most popular events from previous years.

Stage Performances

The organisers will schedule performances at different times during the London Pride Parade. However, admission to all event areas is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Trafalgar Square Stage: Located in the heart of London's historic city, the Trafalgar Square Stage is expected to attract more than 5,000 visitors eager to experience the magic of Pride.

LGBTQIA+ Women and Non Binary Stage: LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people will immerse themselves in this carefully curated stage in Leicester Square.

Golden Square Stage: Here, you can see a variety of performers and outstanding performances and enjoy tempting snacks and refreshing drinks.

Soho Square Stage: The Transgender Stage in Soho Square is dedicated to transgender artists and presenters, who will bring a series of exciting performances, speeches and actions.

Dean Street Stage: Drag kings and queens lead over 25 cabaret artists and performers.

Concerts and Film Screenings

During Pride, dozens of pop-up film screenings and concerts with LGBTQ+ themes will be held across London—films screened during Pride range from classic gay comedy favourites to documentaries about the history of LGBTQ+ rights. There will also be concerts by drag artists and queer musicians.

Queer Museum UK

Opened in 2022 by former Gay Times editor Joseph Galliano, the Queer Museum UK is a place where you can learn about the evolution of gay rights across the UK, from the days of criminalisation to today's debates around trans rights. You can also learn about the impact of LGBTQ communities on culture, from politics to music.

Family & Youth Area

Pride in London often features a dedicated space for LGBTQ+ families and family-friendly activities, including stage performances, art classes, photo booths and activities organised by the Scouts. For example, the 2024 London Pride Festival will have a dedicated space for LGBTQ+ families in Victoria Embankment Gardens to experience a variety of free entertainment, including music bingo, children's cabaret, drag queen story time, and even a stilt parade.

Night Party

Most night parties usually take place in the evening after the parade. You can go to Soho to experience the lively gay bars all day. Here are five great gay bars in London:

Comptons of Soho

The Yard

G-A-Y Bar

Ku Bar Soho

The Village

FAQs about the London Pride Parade

The following are the frequently asked questions about the London Pride Parade in 2025:

1. What date is the London Pride Parade 2025?

The 2025 London Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, July 5.

2. What time does the London Pride parade start?

The 2025 London Pride Parade date has not yet been announced, but it started at Hyde Park Corner around noon in previous years.

3. What do you wear to London Pride?

The London Pride Parade is an excellent opportunity to express yourself and celebrate diversity, so your outfit can be bold, colourful and creative. For example, you can wear a rainbow dress, jumpsuit, T-shirt or suit or even drape a rainbow flag. A shiny jumpsuit, skirt, jacket or pants will stand out in the sun. If you don't want to dress too exaggeratedly, you can show your support with small details such as rainbow socks, rainbow ribbons or nail polish.

4. Can you turn up to London Pride?

Of course, you can. The London Pride Parade is an open and inclusive event that welcomes everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or background. The parade is usually open to the public, and you can join or follow the parade. Alternatively, you can apply for a volunteer position to help with the parade.

However, many LGBTQ+ groups, charities, or businesses will organise teams that must apply and pass to become formal parade teams participating in the London Pride Parade.

Final Thoughts

The grand annual London Pride Parade will again be held in the city centre on July 5, 2025, colourfully and joyfully. All those who support the equality and rights of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, etc.) group can participate in the London Pride Parade. However, participating in any activities during the London Pride Parade requires maintaining an inclusive attitude, respecting the expressions of different groups, and avoiding offensive words and deeds.