Notts Pride has unveiled the full details for its 2026 event, with organisers promising its biggest and boldest celebration yet under this year’s theme, ‘Bolder and Brighter’.

Taking over Nottingham city centre on Saturday, July 25, the annual LGBTQ+ celebration will once again see thousands descend on the city for a day of protest, visibility and partying, culminating in a packed programme of live music, drag, spoken word and community events.

As ever, festivities will begin with the Notts Pride March, which sets off from Lister Gate at midday before winding its way through the city to Sneinton Market. Volunteers and stewards will line the route, helping ensure the march remains safe, inclusive and accessible for all.

Once the parade reaches Sneinton Market, attention turns to a main stage packed with local and national talent. Leading the latest wave of announcements is pop singer Meek, who arrives fresh from a recent appearance on Saturday Night Live. Also joining the bill are Drag Race UK favourite Nyongbella and Bin Bag, winner of Nottingham’s Drag Pageant All Stars.

Elsewhere, audiences can expect a Wizard of Notts-inspired spectacular, sets from Nottingham queer DJ collective Vibrations, and appearances from main stage hosts Liv Presents, Marilyn Sane and Nana Arthole.

The line-up doesn’t stop there. Tribute act The Harry Styles Show with Sean Mac, Nottingham artist LYVIA, ballroom and queer collective Ghetto Fabulous, and drag performers Bella Bestia, Priscilla Shona Krakow, Vayne, Arthur Itis and Climax are all set to take to the stage throughout the day.

Following a successful debut in 2025, The Grove Stage returns as Pride’s alternative hub, offering a more intimate programme of live music, poetry, comedy and acoustic performances. Designed to amplify underrepresented voices, the stage provides a quieter counterpoint to the main arena while retaining the energy and spirit that has become synonymous with Notts Pride.

This year’s event will also place an even greater emphasis on families. A dedicated Family Area in Blend Square will operate from 1pm to 3pm, with a quiet hour from noon. Developed alongside LGBTQ+ charity The Spencer Trust, the space will include activities such as Drag Story Time with Kitty Tray, alongside arts, crafts, face painting and games aimed at creating a welcoming environment for younger visitors and their families.

Meanwhile, Nottingham’s newly established Rainbow Quarter will be in full celebration mode, with venues including The Lord Roberts and historic LGBTQ+ venue The New Foresters hosting entertainment throughout the day and well into the night.

“Notts Pride has always been about visibility, protest and joy,” said Nottinghamshire Pride chair Leigh Ellis. “This year we’re building on that with new partners and new ways for people to get involved.

“From the march and main stage to the Grove acoustic line-up and the Family Area, we want everyone to feel there is a space for them at Pride – whether they’re marching for the first time, returning year after year or joining us as allies.”

And for those not quite ready to go home once the main event wraps up, organisers have launched the first-ever official Notts Pride Afterparty.

Taking place at the historic Palais, the event will be hosted by long-running LGBTQ+ club night Gladrags and promises drag, burlesque, boylesque, DJs and more than six hours of Pride anthems. Elsewhere, Manchester clubbing institution Homoelectric will bring a special Pride takeover to The Bodega, with part of every ticket sale going back into supporting Notts Pride.

Vice-chair Craig Martin said the day’s celebrations are only part of the charity’s wider mission.

“Pride may take over the city for one day, but the work of Nottinghamshire Pride continues all year round,” he said. “Thanks to our sponsors, partners and volunteers, we can keep Pride free, inclusive and community-led while supporting grassroots groups and championing LGBTQ+ inclusion across Nottinghamshire.”