Yorkshire’s largest free Pride event, and one of the biggest in the UK, is taking a fresh approach this year for the 22nd annual Pride in Hull. With the ongoing refurbishment of its usual venue, Queens Gardens, the vibrant LGBT+ celebration is set to spread across various spots across Hull city centre, with a brand-new theme of ‘Access All Areas’. The event is scheduled for this Saturday, July 29, and will start with the parade at 11am.
This year the event’s main stage will be placed in Zebedee’s Yard. The afternoon will be hosted by Pride favourite Andy Train and headlined by the iconic disco ensemble, Boney M, ensuring an atmosphere full of glitter and excitement. Main stage features include London-based singer-songwriter Samuel Pack, talented UK Pop Songstress Channy, performance arts group State Of The Arts Academy, Dance studio Skyline Studios, Madonna tribute Tasha Leaper, Dolly Parton tribute Bebe Dell, and DJ Mike Tollan. Simultaneously, Pride’s cherished community area will return in 2023, setting up along King Edward Street. It will be open from noon until 6 pm and will feature a wide array of services and stalls for attendees to explore. Meanwhile, DJ Onyx UK will be performing at Queer Joy at Princes Quay.
True to its open and inclusive nature, the event is free to attend and does not require tickets. However, VIP meet & greet tickets are available here. Actor, speaker, and presenter Ash Palmisciano, who significantly impacted the entertainment industry through his groundbreaking portrayal of Matty Barton, the first transgender character in ITV’s renowned soap Emmerdale, will co-host and meet and greet guests at the event. Alongside him is the unforgettable RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Star Ongina, who is back after an incredible performance at last year’s event, and who will also be co-hosting, performing, and taking part in the meet and greet.
Meeting at 10:30am and beginning from Wellington Street at 11am is the 2023 Pride In Hull Parade, taking a route up Humber Street, across the Murdoch Connection footbridge, around towards Whitefriargate and ending at King Edward Square. Along Paragon Street on the road towards the Cenotaph, there will be an opportunity, as in previous years, to lay a wreath for fallen LGBTQIA+ folk.
For those with an appetite, a delicious feast is assured by the organisers. A street food zone will be stationed along Princes Dock Street, providing an extensive selection of delectable street food from burgers to Greek cuisine. The event’s family area will find its new home in Queen Victoria Square, offering a variety of activities to keep the children engaged, including a stage headlined by Britain’s Got Talent star Jonny Awsum, and also featuring the fun-filled comedy show Comedy Checkout, comedy duo Jeddy Bear & Garry, family shows, and colouring sessions.
Pride in Hull is a not-for-profit event run by a dedicated committee of volunteers and registered as a charity. This thriving celebration of love, diversity, and inclusivity began in 2002 as a small gathering of a few hundred people with a loud sound system and plenty of enthusiasm. Today, the event attracts thousands of attendees, with its combination of protest and party embodied in a massive parade.
This year, the organisers are asking attendees to show their support for the transgender community explicitly. They’ve encouraged participants to share messages of love and acceptance online, using the hashtag #TransPeopleAreLoved and the phrase ‘Make Love the Loudest Voice.’ Attendees are also urged to capture the day’s moments in videos and photos, to share online or send directly to the organisers for broader amplification during the Pride season.
For more info, visit the official website!
