Mighty Hoopla (Picture: Luke Dyson)
Pride month may be June, but Pride season, well, why should it ever end?
With a sparkling summer of parades and parties ahead, here are just a few of the best LGBTQI+ events around the country.
The best news?
The first one is this weekend.
Risen Festival, this Saturday, Hackney Wick
Risen is a multi-venue, day-to-night electronic music party taking place across Hackney Wick’s labyrinth of house, techno, disco and UK garage venues.
It celebrates female, trans and non-binary talent in the electronic scene, with more than 80 artists including AG, Aletha and Emerald.
Lawrenny will host a silent disco
Out & Wild, June 9-12, Lawrenny, Wales
The first-ever wellness festival curated for queer, questioning and curious women and those who are non-binary, with a relaxing programme of yoga, meditation, hikes and wild swimming. Evenings are about live comedy, silent discos and campfire chats.
London Pride 2022 (Picture: Reuters)
Pride in London, July 1, various stages
LGBTQ+-themed events, marches and parties alongside performances across five stages. More than 500 groups and 30,000 participants will join in this year’s iconic Pride in London Parade.
Manchester Pride, August 25-28
Enjoy the glitter-strewn Pride Parade, Gay Village Party and the Superbia Weekend mini-festival providing an alcohol-free cultural retreat, ending with a beautiful Candlelit Vigil.
Beverley Knight will be at the Mighty Hoopla (Picture: Redferns)
Mighty Hoopla, June 3-4, Brockwell Park, London
This vibrant two-day festival boasts a line-up in which R&B queens Kelly Rowland, Kelis and Beverley Knight take to the stage alongside old-school 80s character comedy from Diane Chorley. It includes an anthemic singalong the Big Gay Songbook.
Day tickets from £49.50, weekend tickets from £114.50
Sparkle Weekend, July 8-10, Sackville Gardens, Manchester
The world’s largest free-to-attend celebration of gender diversity and a fun and safe space for anyone who identifies as gender non-conforming. The wellbeing and community zone is an oasis of calm to hear from trans artists, musicians and writers. Music reaches fever pitch at the opulent Sparkle Ball – dress code: authentic and fabulous.
Brighton Bear Weekend, July 6-9, Brighton
Browse queer-friendly stalls from Buddhist groups to swimming, choirs and classic cars. Evening fun starts at the Camelford Arms, while the weekend culminates in crowning Mr Brighton Bear – the fittest and furriest festivalgoer.
Let’s get loud and proud!