Birmingham Pride 2025: Who is performing and where is it taking place in the city?
Tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on Birmingham for the city's 2025 Pride, celebrating LGBTQ+ communities.
The two-day festival takes place on Saturday 24th May and Sunday 25th May.
Organisers say the event, which is in its 28th year, could attract around 40,000 people over the weekend.
In previous years, more than 25,000 people have attended across both days, with 8000 participants in the parade and an estimated 75,000 people watching throughout the city.
This year, political parties are banned from participating, due to controversy over the Supreme Court's ruling that excludes trans women from the legal definition of a 'woman'.
When and where is the parade?
The whole event begins with the parade, which kicks off at noon on Saturday, 24 May, from Centenary Square. Participants are encouraged to arrive at the starting point at 11am.
The parade will make its way through the city centre and end in Birmingham's Gay Village, where the main festival activities will be held.
The theme this year is 'Love has no limits', and anyone can watch the parade for free.
Applications to enter the parade have now closed.
What happens after the parade?
A street party will take place over Saturday and Sunday in the Gay Village: Hurst Street, Bromsgrove Street, Kent Street and Lower Essex Street. There will be community market stalls and food vendors around the city's LGBTQ+ bars and clubs.
At the Smithfield festival site in Digbeth there will be performances on the main stage, dance arena, cabaret stage and community stage.
Is it free?
The parade is free but the street party in the Gay Village and performances at Smithfield will be ticketed. Children who are 11 and under go free, but will still need to book a ticket for these areas.
There is a free community event at Smithfield on Friday (23 May), which will involve speakers, live music and food stalls. Although the event is free, tickets still need to be booked online.
Since the first charged-for event in 2015, the Birmingham festival has been awarding grants to LGBTQ+ communities and support organisations, as well as other culture groups and charities.
Who is in the line-up for the main stage?
Those confirmed to perform on the main stage this year include:
Clean Bandit
Cascada
Bananarama
Vengaboys
Alexandra Burke
Claire Richards
The Wanted
Una Healy
Clementine Douglas
Moonchild Sanelly
Kitty Scott-Claus
Catty
Tom Rasmussen
Tribute acts will be performing on other stages.
Why are political parties banned this year?
Organisers have banned political parties from participating in Birmingham Pride in 2025, due to controversy over the Supreme Court's ruling that the legal definition of a 'woman' is based on biological sex, excluding trans women.
It joined hands with Brighton, London and Manchester Pride organisers in calling for all political parties to protect trans people.
In a statement, Birmingham Pride said: "What is happening here in the UK is not isolated. It is part of a disturbing global trend - from banning of Pride events in Hungary to anti-trans legislation in the United States - where LGBTQ+ rights are being systematically rolled back."
It added: "Know that this is not a symbolic gesture. It is a direct call for accountability and a refusal to platform those who have not protected our rights. We demand real commitments and measurable progress."
The Prime Minister has welcomed the Supreme Court ruling, saying it brings "clarity" but said his government will "ensure trans people are treated with respect".
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