Leeds Pride confirms dates for 2026 festival - with a big twist for its 20th anniversary
Leeds Pride has confirmed the dates for its 2026 festival, which will mark the event’s 20th anniversary.
The city-wide celebration champions local LGBTQ+ talent alongside world-class headline acts, and this year, for the first time in Leeds Pride history, celebrations will be held across two days on July 18-19.
The festival’s first performer has been announced as Strictly Come Dancing and RuPaul’s Drag Race star La Voix, who will be headlining the main stage.
The programme will feature a full weekend of diverse events, including the Leeds Pride Drag Brunch Fest, street parties across the city and the Pride parade.
A Leeds Pride spokesperson said: "We're incredibly excited to celebrate 20 years of Leeds Pride. This milestone anniversary represents two decades of bringing our community together, championing LGBTQ+ voices and creating unforgettable moments.
“Leeds Pride is growing and stronger than ever and we're committed to giving Northern LGBTQ+ performers a platform to shine. This 20th anniversary festival will be our biggest and best yet, but as we expand, we need public and sponsor support more than ever to make our vision a reality.
“We're calling on businesses and individuals to get behind Leeds Pride and help us deliver an incredible celebration that our community deserves.
“Expanding to two days for the first time shows just how far we've come, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back to Leeds this summer for what will be our most spectacular Pride yet.
Jet2 has also been announced as the headline sponsor of Leeds Pride for the third year running.
Its chief customer officer, David Hills, said “It’s been fantastic to celebrate diversity in our amazing city over the last two years, and as a major employer across the region, as well as a company that takes so many local people on their well-deserved holidays, we cannot wait for this year’s celebrations.”
Leeds City Council executive member for equality, health and wellbeing, Councillor Emma Flint, added: “We love seeing everyone come together for Leeds Pride each year, be that from across city, Yorkshire or even further afield.
“As always, we are working hard for Leeds to be a truly LGBT+ safe and inclusive city and we look forward to this year’s celebration of our vibrant LGBT+ community.”
Full details of the lineup, parade route and ticketing information will be announced in the coming weeks. For information on sponsorship opportunities and ways to get involved visit www.leedspride.com.