With Pride month about to kick off, Edinburgh will see its annual celebrations take place in just a few weeks.
On June 24, a march will take place leaving from the Scottish Parliament at 12.30pm. This is set to be followed by the Pride Edinburgh Festival Village, at the Edinburgh University Students Association Complex.
The march will head to the Canongate, George IV Bridge, Lothian Street and through Charles Street before finishing up at the festival. Headlining the event will be Louisa Johnson and RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard.
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Supporting acts include the X-Factor’s CutKelvins, RuGirl Ellie Diamond, TikTok star Littlest Chicken, new Scottish Drag group GurlBand, Blaze the Queen and Skinny Minnie. The stage will be hosted by Drag stars Ruby Murry from Britain’s Got Talent and Edinburgh’s Cherry West.
Ahead of the events, organisers said: "Pride Events is excited to share that Pride Edinburgh will be back and bigger than ever for its 26th event on Saturday, June 24.
"The organisers are working away to create an amazing event, so stay tuned for more details coming this spring, however it is likely there will be a parade this year. Edinburgh Pride is usually free to attend but this is subject to change. We will update you once they announce ticket details.
"This event is Scotland’s longest running annual LGBQIA+ celebration, and it can trace its roots right back to 1988. In 1995, the first official Pride Edinburgh march took place in the city. Up until 2008, Edinburgh and Glasgow celebrated their Pride event together under the name “Pride Scotia”- alternating each year between the two cities. However, in 2008 Glasgow started its own Pride festival.
"Pride events in the Scottish capital have always been completely free- making sure this event is inclusive for the whole community."
You can find out more about the event here.
Elsewhere in the city, events are being held to continue the celebrations throughout the month. Check out some of them below.
Kafe Kweer
Kafe Kweer are hosting a get together on June 24, open all day with Pride themed specials.
They said: "Last year was a great get together of our lovely community, with old and new faces making their way to our wee space to enjoy some food, drinks, art, and gorgeous company.
"This year we are doing much of the same - serving you the best food and drink we can muster, as well as some Pride Month specials - including our customer favourite 'Fruit Salad' Smoothie."
Pride Crafternoon
A 'relaxed afternoon' of crafting is being held on June 10 as people prepare for pride at the LGBT Health and Wellbeing centre.
Organisers said: "Join us for a relaxed afternoon of Pride-themed crafting and catching up with new and old pals as we prepare for Pride in Edinburgh.
"Bring your own crafts and projects or try something new from the materials provided (zine making, collage, play doh scultping, badge making and more). Light refreshments provided."
Pride Picnic
A family pride picnic is being held in Leith Links on June 11 at 12pm, with games and free snacks.
LGBT Health and Wellbeing, who are holding the event, said: "LGBTQ+ parents, carers and kinship adults are welcome with their children and families to celebrate a fun and informal afternoon together ahead of the Pride march in Edinburgh (on June 24).
"Bring your own picnic goodies to meet your family’s needs, or enjoy some picnic-style snacks provided free by Jules and the Events Team. There’ll be Pride themed outdoor games and silliness as we enjoy taking up space in Leith Links, close to the children’s playpark. Just look for the rainbows and bunting around our space."
Pride Breakfast
Another event from LGBT Health and Wellbeing, Dynamic Earth is hosting a breakfast on the morning of the pride march.
Organisers said: "Join us for an accessible gathering at Dynamic Earth, just a short stroll or walk from the start of the Pride Edinburgh march. With warm breakfast treats and refreshments to welcome you, craft activities and entertainment to help us celebrate our Pride and get ready for the day. It is a space to connect, have fun, show support and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and our planet.
"We know not everyone is able to participate in the march on the day, but you still belong at Pride! So we hope you will join us and be part of Pride however feels right and accessible for you. For those planning to attend the march, our event will provide a nearby place to meet new and old marching friends and get ready to protest with pride together. Whether it’s your first or 26th Pride, the fight for our rights, for those who can’t be visible and to be unapologetically ourselves continues."
Porty Pride
On June 8, Portobello will be celebrating pride with multiple days of events and activities. They're planning singing, dancing, swimming, films, poetry, and much more.
Find out more here.
Leith is a Cabaret Pride Party
A night of cabaret featuring some of Edinburgh's 'best acts' is being held Leith Arches on June 30, kicking off at 7.30pm.
You can find out more and get tickets here.
Pride History Tours at The Real Mary King's Close
To celebrate Pride Month, The Real Mary King’s Close is hosting a series of educational and thought-provoking ‘Pride History Tours’.
As part of the tour, The Real Mary King’s Close will shine a light on various people who were a part of the LGBTQIA+ community throughout history, who tend to be missing from official records.
The one-hour guided tour, led by the renowned Scottish poet Robert Fergusson, allows guests the chance to journey beneath the iconic Royal Mile to learn about key moments in history, influential figures who paved the way for change and those who tried to stand in their way.
Whilst wandering through the now-hidden streets, guests will discover real stories from real people. During the tour, Sophia Jex-Blake and Dr James Barry will also shed light on their successes as well as the struggles they faced as LGBTQIA+ identifying members of the community.
Tours will be running throughout June, every Friday and Saturday at 5:30pm and 7pm. Prices are £25 per adult, and £19 per child.
The dates are:
- June 9, 2023
- June 10, 2023
- June 16, 2023
- June 17, 2023
- June 23, 2023
- June 24, 2023
- June 30, 2023
You can book tickets at The Real Mary King's Close website here.
Pride Playlist! at The Three Sisters
An 18+ event is taking place at The Three Sisters in Edinburgh, which includes live performances of hits of LGBTQIA+ theatre.
In the event's description, The Three Sisters wrote: "We're bringing you the hits of LGBTQ+ theatre with a lineup that celebrates love, diversity, and acceptance, our Pride Playlist has Get ready to celebrate pride month with Never Ending Theatre's: Pride Playlist! Featuring live performances of the hits of LGBTQ+ theatre!
"Come and join us party the night away to some of your favourite musicals to celebrate pride month such as Rent, Falsettos, Cher, Hedwig and the Angry Inch and so much more!
"Don't miss out on this incredible event that promises to keep you on your feet, dancing and singing along all night long. Get your tickets now and join us for a night of pure joy and celebration!"
Never Ending Theatre is a theatre company based in Edinburgh dedicated to making theatre inclusive and accessible.
The Pride Playlist will be held in The Three Sisters Cabaret Bar in Cowgate, Edinburgh. Tickets cost £10, and doors open at 7pm on June 15, 2023.
You can book tickets to the amazing celebration on the website here.
Pride and Prejudice: An LGBTQIA+ inspired tour of The Georgian House
The Georgian House is hosting an hour-long tour dedicated to LGBTQIA+ people and their experiences throughout the Georgian period.
The tour will explore the restored rooms, highlight objects with LGBT+ links and discuss the experiences of real people who lived in Edinburgh, Britain and the wider British Empire.
Tickets cost £12, and can be purchased here. The tours will run from 6pm until 7pm on June 9, June 16 and June 30, 2023.
Lola Fierce's Rainbow Rave at The Three Sisters
It's time to get the Pride party started for Lola Fierce's "Rainbow Rave"! Join Lola and an incredible line up of special guests as they put on a Pride party to remember.
Live singing, lip syncing, games and more, this party is set to take its guests over the rainbow and beyond!
Ticket prices range between £5 and £15, and doors will open at 6:30pm on June 24, 2023.
You can book tickets to this dazzling event on the Three Sisters website here.
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