Exeter Pride 2026 set to celebrate LGBTQ+ youth with exciting events
One of the biggest free LGBTQ+ celebrations in the Southwest returns this May
Exeter Pride is making a triumphant return to the streets of Exeter on Saturday, 9th May 2026, with a focus on celebrating and empowering LGBTQ+ youth.
Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, this year's Exeter Pride aims to create an inclusive and accessible event for everyone.
An impressive £20,000 grant from the fund, along with £2,500 from Exeter City Council, will help enhance the celebration.
Roscoe, Secretary of Exeter Pride, emphasized the importance of keeping the event free and accessible, especially during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Roscoe said, “Exeter Pride is unique in continuing to be free for everyone to participate in. Unlike many Pride events, there are no wristbands, tickets or barriers to anyone joining in the fun. Being free at the point of access is so important to ensuring that Pride remains accessible to everyone during the cost-of-living crisis and ensuring that no one is priced out of celebrating the LGBT community and this year is even more special with our focus on LGBT young people. The support of our sponsors, donors and grants is vital to keeping Pride free for all!”
Exeter Pride will feature an extended march route through Fore Street, encouraging increased local business support and participation.
Entertainment at Northernhay Gardens includes a lively Marketplace, two stages showcasing performers, and various food and drink options.
Rougemont Gardens will offer a dedicated Youth Space, featuring activities like arts and crafts and the popular Dog Show.
Kat, Logistics Coordinator, shared her favorite moments from previous events.
Kat said, “Exeter Pride is always so heartwarming. I love how the march brings the community together; it's so magical seeing everyone spreading love and positivity. Last year, watching the dogs compete in the best trick category for our first Pride dog show blew me away. I was not ready for such impressive displays!”
Local venues will host diverse free events, including pole dancing, speed dating, and Dungeons & Dragons sessions.
Annie, Community Coordinator, highlighted the vital role of over 100 volunteers in making the event possible.
Annie said, “We are so grateful for our amazing team of dedicated all-year round volunteers and of course our incredible event day stewards who make Pride possible. We need over 100 volunteers to work on Pride Day and we are so lucky to have many people who give up their time year on year as well as our fab first-timers. Everyone is welcome to volunteer with Exeter Pride and training is provided. We are also so grateful for our fundraising events too from quizzes to bingo to crafting events.”
The Official Afterparty, held at Exeter Phoenix, will be hosted by Cleo Toris and feature top drag performers from the Southwest.
Tickets are expected to sell out, so attendees are encouraged to secure them early.
Russell, Chair of Exeter Pride, expressed excitement about this year's diverse lineup and thanked volunteers, sponsors, and hosts for their support.
Russell said, “We are a small local charity solely run by volunteers but still manage to pack a punch and put on a big celebration of equality and inclusion in what can quite often be a bit of a ‘diversity desert’ in the Southwest. We are over the moon that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised Exeter Pride again this year and awarded us this grant. Having this funding means that we can concentrate on ensuring that this year’s Pride will be the best to-date, most accessible, inclusive and offering a great, free, family day out. I’m really excited that this year we have the most diverse line up of performers and workshop facilitators than we have ever had before.”
Russell, along with the whole committee and Trustees, extended thanks to all sponsors, local councillors, volunteers, hosts, and participants for supporting Exeter Pride 2026.
Exeter Pride continues to ensure the city's LGBTQ+ community can celebrate their identity freely and proudly.