The Pride parade will depart from Custom House Square at 13:00 BST, and this year’s Belfast Pride event will differ from previous years because there will be no corporate sponsors. Instead, the only financial support will come from public funders.
In previous parades, onlookers would have seen business names in the programme, on promotional materials and on stage at Custom House Square, but that will not be the case this year. The 10-day Belfast Pride festival, external began last Friday with a programme of cultural events, nights out and discussions.
On the decision not to accept corporate sponsorship at this year's event, a spokesperson said
as with any support received, Belfast Pride has sought to ensure that partnerships align with the delivery of the festival and its charitable and community objectives.
Thousands expected to attend parade
The festival is in its 35th year and the theme this year is Love in Every Colour. Belfast Pride festival says the theme
recognises the courage of those individuals who came before us and the rising voices of those today who work tirelessly to protect our future and our beautiful community.
The Pride parade will depart from Custom House Square at 13:00 BST and finish at Victoria Street. It will make its way along High Street, Bridge Street, Waring Street, Donegall Street, Royal Avenue, Donegall Place, Donegall Square North, Chichester Street, Victoria Street and Anne Street, and the parade is due to conclude at about 16:00.
As part of the Belfast Pride festival, an event is being held in Custom House Square from midday with local LGBT performers and entertainment taking to the stage.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is encouraging everyone attending the event to do so safely. It is advising road users that there will be traffic restrictions in the city centre for a number of hours.
People are being asked to plan their journeys in advance and, if travelling to the event, to park legally and not to obstruct access to any residential or business properties.
Donegall Quay will be home to the Belfast Pride village, which will have a range of stalls hosted by community groups, a family fun area, live children's entertainment, a picnic area and an alcohol, smoke and vape-free zone.
What is happening at Custom House Square?
An event is being held in Custom House Square from midday as part of the Belfast Pride festival, with local LGBT performers and entertainment taking to the stage. The Pride parade will depart from Custom House Square at 13:00 BST, making this area a focal point for the day’s events.
How will the parade route run through the city?
The parade will begin at Custom House Square, travel through the city centre and finish at Victoria Street. The route will take in High Street, Bridge Street, Waring Street, Donegall Street, Royal Avenue, Donegall Place, Donegall Square North, Chichester Street, Victoria Street and Anne Street before concluding at about 16:00.
What else is planned as part of Belfast Pride?
Donegall Quay will host the Belfast Pride village, offering stalls hosted by community groups, a family fun area, live children's entertainment, a picnic area and an alcohol, smoke and vape-free zone. The 10-day festival, external began last Friday with cultural events, nights out and discussions, and the festival is now in its 35th year.
How is the PSNI advising people to prepare?
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is advising people to attend safely and plan journeys in advance because traffic restrictions will be in place in the city centre for a number of hours. It also says anyone travelling to the event should park legally and avoid obstructing access to residential or business properties.
Why is this year’s theme significant?
The theme this year is Love in Every Colour, and Belfast Pride festival says it recognises the courage of those who came before and the rising voices of those today who work to protect the future and the community.
Key Facts
- The Belfast Pride parade will leave Custom House Square at 13:00 BST on Saturday.
- There will be no corporate sponsors this year; only public funders are providing financial support.
- The parade is due to finish at Victoria Street at about 16:00.
- The 10-day Belfast Pride festival began last Friday and is in its 35th year.
- The theme for this year is Love in Every Colour.
