The Witney and Oxford Pride Festival’s kick off today with a week’s worth of events from comedy to workshops, parties to dancing, brunch to talks, children’s events, drag queens, poetry, street food, films, picnics and parades.
Returning to OXford’s streets for the first time since 2019, there are over 20 acts, a huge range of events, parades on Saturday May 28 and June 4 to enjoy, a massive afterparty and an evening BBQ on Sunday June 5.
From social nights for marginalised genders from the LGBTQ+ community (women, non-binary people and trans people of any gender) to a games night at The Cape of Good Hope, street food at the Jolly Farmers, a film night at UPP, a collaboration with Pitt Rivers ‘Beyond the Binary’, and fellowship and informal worship at St Columbas’ Pride BBQ party, it’s all going on.
Aiming to unite the community and amplify the issues that matter, the week runs from May 27- June 5 and this year on Saturday June 4, after the parade you can enjoy two separate stages at Oxford’s Castle Quarter and the community stage in Westgate’s Leiden Square filled with amazing performers.
Here are our top PRIDE picks:
- Witney Parade and Pride Festival Day – the very first Witney Pride Parade is taking place on Saturday 28th May at 12 noon starting outside the Methodist Church in The High Street, Witney, proceeding towards The Buttercross, down Church Green and ending on The Leys. All LGBTQ people and allies are welcome to join. Pride Festival Day will be held on The Leys Recreational Ground in Witney. Bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of live entertainment, games, community stalls and commercial traders. Windrush Radio will entertain between live performers.
- Life’s A Drag with LOURDE GODD – Sun, 29 May, 8pm, The Jolly Farmers, Oxford when The Divine Lourde Godd takes to the Paradise Stage in the Heated Covered Garden of Oxford’s best LGBTQ+ community venue!
- Pride Picnic & Paddle, Wednesday June 1, 5pm-7pm, Hinksey Outdoor Pool – a Pride themed inclusive picnic and paddle. This is a family event and open to all members and allies of the LGBTQI+ Community.
- Street Food, Thursday June 2, 6pm-10pm, Jolly Farmers, Oxford – the best in Mexican Street food from Taco Shack.
- Comedy – I‘ve Been Clare Summerskill! Friday June 3, 7.30pm, Old Fire Station, Oxford – a celebratory evening of songs and comedy presented by the legendary lesbian singer-songwriter and comedienne. Book at https://oldfirestation.org.uk/…/ive-been-clare…/
- Film – My Beautiful Laundrette Friday, June 3, 9pm, The Ultimate Picture Palace, Cowley Rd, – Steven Frears’ culture-clash rom-com is a groundbreaking and subversive work of social realism addressing racism, homophobia, and the economic divide in Thatcher’s England. https://uppcinema.com/show/my-beautiful-laundrette/
- Drag Brunch, Saturday June 4, 10am – 12 noon, The White Rabbit, Oxford. Drag & Disorderly are collaborating with The White Rabbit to warm you up, bringing you the best Lip-syncs, comedy, and games all morning long to get you prepared for Oxford Pride. Book in your table for two hours of entertainment with three of your favourite Oxford drag acts – Felicity suxwell the queen, Queen of the south side river Sativa and EURA FREAK! Everyone will receive complementary pizza and a glass of Prosecco. Book at https://bit.ly/3Lib8Df
- The big day – Pride Parade – Saturday June 4, 12 noon meet from 11am at Radcliffe Square (OX1 1BG). Pride Day – 12noon-6pm at Oxford Castle Quarter and Leiden Square (OX1 1DN). Acts to catch include Abba Dream, Sisters of Funk and Amrick Channa. There are also three community stage acts: Alessia; chiika; Billy & Louie.
- Paradise Street Party – 12-10pm (OX1 1LD) DJ from 4pm. There will be DJs and dancing with Jolly Farmers staff on hand to offer refreshments from any of their three bars.
- Official Pride After Party, 9pm-6am, The Plush Lounge, Oxford – Cap off a marvellous Pride Day with eight hours of laughing, dancing, and partying whilst swirling yourself through the glittery euphoria of the latest charts, the cheesiest cheese, and the glorious anthems you all adore. DJ Ryan on the decks all night long. Tickets: www.fixr.co/organiser/PlushOxford
“We are looking forward to returning to the streets for the first time since 2019 and marching for LGBTQ+ rights – especially as the UK has fallen down the rankings for LGBTQ+ rights in Europe for the third year running,” Oxford’s Pride spokesperson Alana Stewart says.
“Pride originated as a protest, and it’s essential that we don’t lose sight of that. The parade on June 4 aims to unite the community and amplify the issues that matter to us.
“We also march for LGBTQ people in the UK and worldwide who cannot march. We also march for people who are vulnerable in light of the government’s negligence, such as those who are impacted by the government’s refusal to wholly ban conversion therapy and to protect trans and non-binary people.”
“So it’s great to be back for an in-person Pride this year and have lots of exciting acts, activities, and events lined up.
For more information go to https://www.oxford-pride.org.uk
