Clear your calendars now — Notts Pride 2026 is officially returning on Saturday, July 25, and it’s shaping up to be the boldest celebration the city has ever seen.
After last summer’s event pulled in a record‑breaking 10,000 people, that’s 1,000 more than the year before, organisers are going all out again with a massive parade, live entertainment and loads going on across the city.
This year’s theme is “Bolder and Brighter” and it’s already got its own standout look thanks to a brand‑new logo designed by queer artist PJ Dracovich (aka Sclera Centipede). PJ’s work has picked up serious attention, including award nominations and a Young Comic Laureate UK finalist spot, so expect the visuals this year to be very cool.
The main stage will once again take over Sneinton Market, while Hockley and the Rainbow Quarter will be packed with fringe events, parties and celebrations. Venues including Lord Roberts and The New Foresters are already planning all‑day Pride events that’ll go straight through into the early hours — so realistically, it’s not just a one‑day thing.
Notts Pride chair Leigh Ellis said the event has “always belonged to Nottingham” and promised 2026 will be “bolder and brighter than ever” after last year’s massive turnout.
And while Pride might look like one big party (which, to be fair, it mostly is), there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes. Notts Pride is a fully volunteer‑run charity, with every penny raised going back into making the event happen and supporting LGBTQ+ communities year‑round — from safer spaces to community projects and campaigning work.
It’s also one of the biggest free Pride events in the UK, which means anyone can turn up, get involved and be part of it without paying a thing — something organisers are very keen to protect.
Vice chair Craig Martin summed it up best, saying Pride is “so much more than just one day”, with the work continuing all year through community support, events and initiatives like the Notts Pride Community Hub in Sneinton.
If you’re already planning your outfit, there’s more: this year will also see the first official Notts Pride afterparty, taking place at the Palais in collaboration with legendary LGBTQ+ night Gladrags. Tickets are already live — so yes, it’s basically Pride but extended.
With sponsorships now open and organisers calling on local businesses and volunteers to get involved, it’s clear Nottingham is gearing up for something huge.
So whether you’re there for the march, the music, the parties or just the vibes — Notts Pride 2026 is set to take over the city in the best way possible.
