Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month June 2024 in Bournemouth and Poole

The first Gay Pride marches were held in June 1970, marking the first anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, with thousands gathering in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago to commemorate and demand equal rights. These events were rooted in earlier gay and lesbian activism, particularly the ‘Reminder Day Pickets’ held annually from 1965 to 1969 at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

Gay Pride marches and celebrations have been held since 1972 in the UK from London and outwards into surrounding towns and villages across the country. On 1 July 1972, the UK's first Pride march was held in London. The date was chosen as the closest Saturday to the anniversary of the Stonewall riots of 28 June 1969. An estimated 2,000 people attended.

This year, the London March is expected to reach over 600 LGBTQ+ community groups, with 30,000 people registered to march. The theme of this year’s event is: ‘Reflect. Empower. Unite’, and the 2024 ‘World Pride’ will be hosted in Madrid. 

Bournemouth and Poole Pride events

Lighthouse Poole is hosting a festival with storytelling, crafts, poetry, writing, Cabaret on Saturday, 8^th June. 

Bournemouth’s popular Bourne Free Pride Festival takes place 5th - 6th July. There will be a range of live entertainment, food, drink, and stalls.