It has been a difficult year for the queer community. We have been repeatedly let down by numerous institutions, politicians and corporations who promised to protect us. That is why it’s crucial that we put our faith back into our community – especially one that champions diversity, inclusion and our protection, a place where all queer identities can be seen and heard. Celebrating with our community at UK Black Pride is exactly what is needed. Come down, rejoice, feel free and support this UKBP in its 20th year. Read on to find out everything you need to know about UK Black Pride, or use the skip to links below to find the section you need.
- What’s the history of and when did UK Black Pride begin?
- When is UK Black Pride?
- Is UK Black Pride free?
- What should I take to UK Black Pride?
- What is happening this year at UK Black Pride?
- UK Black Pride Afterparty
- UK Black Pride’s Work
When did UK Black Pride begin?
UK Black Pride began as just a small gathering organised by Lady Phyll and other Black queer activists in 2005, with just three coaches filled with eager participants. The following year, Black Pride became an official event and from there a movement. Its success and popularity stems from the co-founder and numerous workers ensuring that UK Black Pride is for all people of colour and allies, expanding from just a group of Black queers in 2005 to Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration for BPOC. UK Black Pride now attracts thousands of people annually, reaching up to 25,000 attendees in recent years.
Lady Phyll, the co-founder of UK Black Pride and former executive director of human rights charity Kaleidoscope Trust, ensures that community is at the heart of UK Black Pride every year. Through many years of hard work, funding, and partnerships with Stonewall, UK Black Pride continues to grow and foster connections between the queer African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American and Caribbean heritage folks and allies.
With events catered for Black and brown communities by Black and brown creatives, the organisers have ensured that we are at the focus of this Pride event, celebrating Black and brown queer culture to the fullest.
When is Black Pride?
UK Black Pride is taking place on Sunday, 10th August 2025, from 12pm-9pm at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, just a short journey from Hackney Wick station.
Is UK Black Pride free?
Yes, UK Black Pride is free to attend! Making this event extremely accessible for everyone. However, with the rise of anti-LGBTQ sentiment amongst companies and potential partners, funding is more difficult than ever for Pride events, so if you have the means, please give what you can! Donate, buy merch or partner with the organisation so this event can continue serving the people who need it the most.
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What should I take to UK Black Pride?
The great thing about UK Black Pride is that you don’t need a lot! Bring sunscreen, good vibes and a fun and comfortable outfit you can dance in! The theme this year is ‘Becoming’, so make sure to embrace your truest and most authentic selves; UK Black Pride will provide the rest. The festival has food trucks with numerous different cuisines, a section where you can buy from independent Black and brown owned businesses and numerous charity booths for you to get involved with!
What’s happening at UK Black Pride this year?
As previously mentioned, the theme this year is ‘Becoming’. Organisers have said it is ‘a love letter to our constant transformation as Black LGBTQ+ people and LGBTQ+ people of colour. We shapeshift. We resist. We thrive. We’re never static, never silent and never alone.’ This couldn’t be a more fitting theme for the year. Celebrating our resilience and adaptability in the face of so much adversity and regression, and paired with the fact that it is UKBP’s 20th anniversary, the organisers are going BIG.
Your favourite DJs from Armana Khan to Kaylee Golding will be at the Main Stage, with performances from incredible queer artists like Nqobilé and Love Itoya. And headlining the show is Durand Bernard’s alter ego, DJ TBD, aka Bra Coley. Look forward to his set filled with nostalgic bangers, smooth R&B and pure energy.
There’s also a DJ Tent for more beats and bass, serving you a mix of afrobeats, dancehall and house to get you moving, and the DJs are pulling out all the stops. Kiara Felippe, Blackcatt, Sequinella, Carmen London and many more iconic DJs will be in attendance and ready to curate some excellent vibes. This is UKBP’s 20th birthday – everyone needs to be moving this year, so dance like no one is watching.
If you need a break from all the dancing, head to the Community Stage where performers and speakers will be crafting stories, connection and creativity with a mixture of poetry, music, talks and workshops for you to take part in.
Don’t forget about the numerous stalls manned by Black and brown creatives, too! From crochet to prints, jewellery and booksellers, you’ll be able to find something for yourself.
Amongst all this, there’s also plenty of charity booths to check out! Switchboard LGBTQIA+ Support Line and AKT Charity, who help young queer people who are at risk or experiencing homelessness, are frequent attendees of UK Black Pride, there to offer support to anyone who needs it or anyone looking to volunteer. If you’re curious, make sure to head over and ask for more info!
UK Black Pride Afterparty
The fun doesn’t end after 9pm! UK Black Pride has partnered with Colour Factory for an official afterparty! They’ll be celebrating the queer Black and brown DJs that have shaped the London club scene since the 80s. Head to this accessible venue after 9pm to keep the good vibes going. Get your tickets here.
UK Black Pride’s Work
UK Black Pride isn’t just in charge of organising one of the best community events of the year! UKBP also has a Community Action Fund where they have assessed the needs of LGBTQIA+ people of colour in the UK and created a fund for those looking to help with the following: mental and emotional wellbeing, safety in public spaces, workplace and spaces for queer BPOC. If you want information about potential applications, go here.
It is important to support UK Black Pride throughout the year. Where else provides such a large, accessible and welcoming space for Black and brown queers to come together? With corporations cutting back on funding DEI initiatives and a decrease in partnerships, we, as a community, need to make sure we sustain this incredible institution. Remember, if you have the means to, UK Black Pride accepts donations all year to ensure that we can enjoy ourselves to the fullest.
I cannot wait to see you all looking sexy and joyful at the 20th anniversary of UK Black Pride.
Nonchalant x
Failed dating show contestant on BBC “I Kissed a Girl” and writer of horny and sad poetry, Demi is based in Islington, London and works for independent publisher VERVE Books as an editorial assistant and social media manager. In her spare time she attends spoken word poetry nights, drinks an unhealthy amount of fruit tea with honey and aggressively reposts her FYP on TikTok.
