Leicester Pride March 2025: A Kaleidoscope of Colour and Community enjoyed by many from Oakham and Rutland. Photo Gallery. #LeicesterPride #LeicesterPride2025

Leicester Pride 2025: A Kaleidoscope of Colour and Community

Thousands of people descended upon the streets of Leicester on Saturday, August 30, for the annual Leicester Pride celebration. The city was transformed into a vibrant hub of colour, music, and joy as a massive crowd marched in solidarity to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

The day began with a parade that snaked its way through the city centre, starting from Curve Theatre and making its way to Abbey Park. Participants, including many from Oakham and Rutland, carried banners and flags, their faces painted and outfits sparkling with glitter and rainbows. 

Leicester Pride has long been one of the largest free Pride festivals in the UK, and this year was no exception, with an estimated attendance in the tens of thousands. The festival at Abbey Park featured a packed schedule of live entertainment across multiple stages. Performers included a mix of local and national talent, with the Main Stage hosting a range of singers and acts, while the Helsinki Dance Arena kept the energy high with a lineup of DJs.

For many, the event was not just a party but a powerful statement of visibility and acceptance. This year's event had a particular focus on trans and non-binary visibility, a theme woven into the fabric of the day through new stages and performances. The festival's organizers emphasized the importance of unity, urging attendees to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in a year that has presented unique challenges to the LGBTQ+ community.

The day was a huge success, with families, friends, and individuals from all walks of life coming together to celebrate diversity. Attendees from Oakham and Rutland, in particular, were noted for their enthusiastic participation, highlighting the strong connection between the neighbouring communities. The celebration was a testament to the power of community, love, and the ongoing fight for equality. As the sun set, the festival concluded with a stunning firework display, a fitting end to a day that truly lit up the city.

Editors comment: it's time like this you realise, how dreadful public transport is in Rutland. Having to catch a late running train home before the event finished.