Earlier this week, prominent figures from Leeds City Council, including Councillor James Lewis, the council leader, Councillor Jonathan Pryor, the deputy leader, and Councillor Mary Harland, the executive member for communities, joined forces with members of the council’s LGBT+ staff network outside Civic Hall to express their wholehearted support for the upcoming Leeds Pride event.
Leeds Pride, now in its 18th year, is set to take place this Sunday, August 6. It stands as the UK’s largest free Pride celebration, attracting an impressive crowd of over 50,000 attendees each year.
The heart of the city will once again be transformed into a vibrant and joyful hub, celebrating the diversity and inclusivity of the LGBT+ community. The festivities promise a warm and welcoming atmosphere filled with an array of colours and exciting activities.
The City Council is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the event is accessible to everyone. Consequently, they will provide two accessible buses to join the parade, ensuring that disabled individuals can enjoy a flawless view of the spectacular procession.
In addition, the council will set up an accessible platform at Millennium Square to facilitate the viewing of the pre-parade party, and Leeds Pride will, once again, furnish an access platform on Lower Briggate for the post-parade festivities.
Demonstrating their wholehearted support, the Civic Hall and Town Hall will proudly display the Pride flag throughout the weekend. Moreover, the Town Hall will fly the Bi and Trans flags, further showcasing their dedication to inclusivity.
Visitors to the city will be treated to a captivating display as the Civic Hall illuminates in the vibrant colours of the rainbow. Additionally, many of the council’s city centre cleansing staff will be donning pride-themed hi-vis jackets, and waste and street cleansing vehicles will be adorned with LGBT+ Inclusive Leeds designs as they proudly support the parade.
Leading up to the main event, on Saturday, Leeds City Council will host a marketplace event in Brodrick Hall, Leeds City Museum, from 11 am to 4 pm. This event will provide an excellent opportunity for people to discover LGBT+ services, support, and social groups available in Leeds.
