Leeds ranked among UK’s top cities for Pride ahead of this weekend's parade
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As the city prepares for Saturday's celebrations, a new study analyses the best places to party
With Leeds Pride set to take over the city centre this Saturday and Sunday (July 18-19), new data has highlighted the city as one of the premier destinations for LGBTQIA+ celebrations in the UK.
A new study by Buzz Bingo has analysed the top 20 cities to celebrate Pride, creating an index based on the quality of event headliners, the number of inclusive venues, and the affordability of food and drink.
Leeds secured seventh place on the list with an index score of 31, with the report highlighting Leeds’ vibrant nightlife scene, noting that the city is home to an impressive 127 pubs, ensuring visitors have plenty of options throughout the weekend.
The national research placed Manchester at the top of the leader board with an index score of 56, followed by London (55) and Brighton and Hove (45).
While the top three cities are known for their massive headliner lineups - with Brighton boasting the highest Spotify listener reach for past headliners at over 102 million - Leeds offers a more budget-friendly alternative to the capital.
While a pint in London averages around £7, Leeds remains more accessible for those looking to enjoy the festivities without the premium price tag.
Mark Fletcher, Head of Brand at Buzz Bingo, said: “Pride parades are the perfect place to gather and celebrate love. It’s a great opportunity to visit a new city, explore new bars and bring people together.
“Our research shows that Manchester is the best place to be, but Leeds remains a key destination for the community.”
As the city gears up for the 2026 parade, local venues and businesses are expected to be at capacity - and for those looking to see the full breakdown of the study, you can view the complete research on the Buzz Bingo website.
The Top 10 UK Cities for Pride
According to the Buzz Bingo research, here are the top 10 cities to visit for Pride celebrations, based on their index score:
- Manchester (56)
- London (55)
- Brighton and Hove (45)
- Bristol (42)
- Liverpool (40)
- Newcastle (36)
- Leeds (31)
- Birmingham (29)
- Glasgow (27)
- Sheffield (25)
Leeds Pride takes place July 18 and 19 across the city - for more information, take a look at our recent guide to this year’s events.