Published Thursday 18 June 2026 at 10:40
Blackburn is set to host its annual Pride Festival on Saturday 20 June.
A staple in the borough’s cultural calendar, Blackburn Pride Festival 2026 promises a vibrant day of celebration honouring the LGBTQIA+ community’s history, resilience, and progress.
The festival is now in its fifth year and louder and prouder. With live music, drag performances, community stalls, and a lively parade.
Blackburn Pride serves as a platform for inclusion, representation and advocacy. It’s a chance for people of all backgrounds, identities and ages to stand together in support of equality.
The community event is organised by the Blackburn Pride Committee, supported by Blackburn with Darwen Council.
Councillor Julie Gunn, Deputy Leader of the Council and founding member of the Blackburn Pride Committee, said:
“We are incredibly proud of Blackburn’s rich diversity and are looking forward to our 5th event that will celebrate inclusion and support for our LGBT+ community. Every year has been a day of pure joy and love and we expect that this year thanks to the additional support from the National Lottery Players, it will be bigger and brighter than ever. Blackburn Pride is brought by committee made up of small group of volunteers, Jim, Catherine, Liam, Samantha and Julie (me) and is made possible by our loyal sponsors, but what really makes it special is the people who take part in the parade that starts at 12 from Cathedral Square and enjoy the stage show throughout the day. We have our fabulous lineup of local and national acts and of course our regular feature of the Silent Disco.”
The Pride Parade will begin at Cathedral Square at 11:45am on Cathedral Square.
Join the colourful procession through the heart of town and end outside the Town Hall, where the main stage will host a full afternoon of entertainment until 6pm.
This year’s headline acts bring a blend of glamour, energy, and crowd-pleasing talent, including: Ami Alex, Jason Kenny, Leah Eccles, Victoria Peaches and Sweet Sabrina.
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