A First Look at Cheltenham Pride Festival in May 2023

The first pride parade in the Gloucestershire town for over a decade is set to take place as part of Cheltenham Pride Festival, confirmed for Saturday 13th May 2023

The date for what’s set to be the town’s biggest pride event to date has been set! Here is your first glimpse at what you can expect…

Complete with the first pride parade in Cheltenham for more than a decade, the festival itself – which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and culture – will take place in Imperial Gardens, culminating in an official After-Party and live showing of the Eurovision final at a very exciting venue soon to be announced.

The event will form a collaborative effort from neighbouring organisations, as we team up with Pride in Gloucestershire to create a more memorable event for all.

We’re inviting you — our community and allies — to come together and celebrate at the event on Saturday May 13th.

The LGBTQ+ community of Cheltenham is in for some much needed celebration and connecting this May. With so few opportunities available within the town for us to come together, it’s important that we make Saturday 13th May an engaging one. It’s more important now than ever to show our support for Trans people and the whole LGBTQ+ community, and the event will be a celebration for all.

“We are really excited for pride to return to Cheltenham this year and even more excited to be collaborating with the team at Cheltenham Pride to deliver it. ​​We have lots planned, with plenty for all to get involved in. We are taking pride in Cheltenham up a level and are looking forward to celebrating with the LGBTQ+ community once again.’”

- Richard Stevens, Chairperson of Pride in Gloucestershire

The day will consist of a number of fun-filled events, kicking off at 11am with The Pride Parade. The ultimate expression of pride and inclusivity - after a long hiatus, Cheltenham’s first parade in more than ten years is going to be an unforgettable experience.

Following the Parade, the Festival in Imperial Gardens promises to be the event of the year! Get ready for drag acts, amazing music, local food and drink, and vendors with fierce fashion and accessories. Join in on the best celebration of love and diversity, and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community.

But the fun doesn't stop there! Get ready to party Eurovision-style at the ultimate After-Party hosted by a talented local drag queen at one of Cheltenham's favourite venues. Expect non-stop fun, hot music, and delicious drinks all night long, alongside the live viewing of the iconic song contest. There is a very special venue confirmed for this, and you won't want to miss it.

The Cheltenham Pride event in 2022 took place in Pittville Park and saw visitors flock from far and wide to enjoy the day. The 2023 edition of the Festival will be bigger and better than ever, with a contestant from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK set to headline the event.

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