Hello all!
We’re back for the month of August and we’re only a couple of weeks away from Warwickshire Pride’s annual event on the 16th August! Taking place at the Pump Room Gardens, this year’s Pride is set to be electrifying! ‘Rise With Pride’ is the theme of this year’s event as a nod to Pride’s origins, which began with a protest. As we increasingly see vitriolic abuse thrown at members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially our trans friends, it’s more important than ever to use our voices to combat hatred on the continual fight for freedom.
The event runs from 11am-6pm this year, with its annual march starting on Beauchamp Road, heading to Clarendon Avenue with a march down the Parade, passing by Dormer Place to finish at the Pump Room Gardens.
(Images via Warwickshire Pride/Cameron Murray)
Gatherings for the march will begin on Beauchamp Road from 9.30am-10.45am where the Warwickshire Pride team will begin their preparations. More information can be found HERE. Getting there within those time stamps will ensure you’re ready and set to march with some wonderful people towards the Pump Room Gardens!
The day is hosted by the brilliant Sassi Afrika and Anita Bush, with dozens of performers taking to the stage to entertain the masses! Chair of Warwickshire Pride Daniel Browne begins proceedings at 11.30am, with Heather Alice-Grace Orchard, host Sassi Afrika and other guest speakers set to follow.
Independent musician Wolfpunk will be performing some new music, blending a wealth of different genres throught his new 2025 set. Bambi Bang Bang will be bringing the burlesque as she lights up the stage, wowing you all with their fabulous numbers that’ll be sure to have you singing and dancing the day away. The incomparable Bonnie Wheelass will be bringing down the house, as the celebrated regular in the Birmingham cabaret and burlesque scene is set to serve pure vogue and vocals. This powerhouse’s voice will certainly wow any audience with their power ballads and fun remixes, with many laughs thrown in.
(Top: Big Brovaz, Wolfpunk & Bonnie Wheelass, Bottom: Bambi Bang Bang & Booty Luv)
Headlining this year’s Warwickshire Pride are Big Brovaz and Booty Luv! Known for their hits as such as Nu Flow, Favourite Things and Baby Boy, J-Rock, Cherise, Randy and Nadia will be taking to the stage from 3pm. Cherise and Nadia will also be performing as the beloved dance duo, Booty Luv, where we’re sure the crowds will be pumped after hearing Boogie 2Nite, Shine and Some Kinda Rush. There’s no mention of a defined set list at of yet, but with both groups having some serious anthems in their discography, we’re sure fans will be thrilled with a mix of classics and new material.
Off stage, the Pump Room Gardens is due to be filled with many vendors from community outreach and support tents, where designated safe chill out zones are available for people within the Bi+ and Trans communities. LGBTQ+ education spaces are also pitched, alongside the Drag Story Tent featuring the fabulous Mama G, pictured centrally below. Throught the day, Mama G will be sharing some wonderful songs and stories in these family-friendly sessions. Set to uplift, inspire and have some laughs along the way, Mama G’s talking you through what picture books are perfect for all the family.
Numerous arts and crafts vendors will be there, alongside delicious food and drink stalls for you to keep energised throughout the day. There’s artists, Warwickshire Pride merch and plenty more trinkets to be had, so be sure to check those out on the day. For more information about vendors and the event itself, you can view their handy Pride Guide for 2025 HERE.
(Images via Warwickshire Pride/Cameron Murray)
The 16th of August is set to be another fantastic event for Warwickshire Pride, so be sure to pop that down in your diary! There’s so much that goes into every single thing that Warwickshire Pride do; not only do they organise events such as this one, their support services, events and resources have become such a vital lifeline for so many in the LGBTQ+ community across the county.
Whether it’s coffee mornings, youth events, book clubs, proud parents groups and more, the safe spaces they offer people of all ages really is remarkable. You can find out more about the wonderful work and support that the team at Warwickshire Pride provide for many, HERE.
For what’s happening in your area and around the world, Pride Events and IGLTA have extensive lists of what’s on, so be sure to check those out. Individual event pages also have some in-depth guides on what’s happening throughout the day or weekend, and others with fab tips on what to take with you and how to stay safe when travelling to, from and during events.
Wherever you may be, please remember: you are seen, you are heard, you are valued and you are loved. 💖