York Pride returns this weekend – here’s everything you need to know ahead of the event!
The annual rainbow-filled celebration of love and equality returns to the Knavesmire on Saturday 1 June.
It’s a celebratory day full of family fun, music, entertainment, food and drink, dancing, and community.
We’ve put together a guide to everything you need to know for the day – take a look below. Happy Pride!
What’s happening
12pm The parade
A staple of York Pride is the parade to the Knavesmire, where the community can come together as one and march together – with flags, music, and joy.
The parade will assemble outside York Minster from 11:30am, and the march to the Knavesmire will begin at 12pm.
Take a look at our map to see the route for 2024.
This year, due to the roadworks on High Ousegate, the parade will not pass along Parliament Street or High Ousegate and will instead divert down Feasegate, Market Street and Spurriergate.
The parade will arrive at the Knavesmire (Tadcaster Road End) approximately between 1-1:30pm.
Whether you’re joining in with the parade or simply watching it pass by, it is always a spectacular sight to see.
12:30pm Live entertainment
There will be live music and entertainment on the main stage from 12:30pm to 7pm, with Angels of the North headlining. Fresh from the runway of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 5, the three finalists, winner Ginger Johnson, Michael Marouli and Tomara Thomas bring their heavenly brand new live show to York Pride.
Performances on the main stage also include The Wanted’s Max George, Union J’s Jaymi Hensley, Big Brovaz & Booty Luv, Janice D, Eric Spike and the York Pride 2024 Drag Race Finalists.
The main stage is hosted by St Sordid Secret and Mamma Bear.
York Pride have once again teamed up with QueerArts UK to bring back the Cabaret Tent. The Dance Tent is also returning this year, along with a licensed bar and funfair.
There will be over 20 food stalls offering refreshments – with everything from pizza to doughnuts to sausages to pancakes. There will also be a marketplace, with over 120 stalls to browse through.
7pm Afterparty
The fun will continue at the official York Pride afterparty at Ziggy’s Bar & Nightclub on Micklegate.
The doors will open from 7pm for drinks in the bar and lounge areas, with the dance floor opening at 10pm and hosted by drag sensation Janice D. Entry is £6 but if you’re a York Pride 2024 Wristband holder it’s free entry before 10pm and then a discounted entry of £3 afterwards.
All profits from the official afterparty will go towards York Pride 2025.
How to get there
The simplest – and funnest – way to get to York Pride is walking with the parade.
There are no parking facilities at the Knavesmire site, and there is limited parking for those with a blue badge. The nearest car parks are Nunnery Lane Car Park, Bishopthorpe Road Car Park and Rowntree Park Car Park.
Once again, First York will have their special Pride Day bus ticket for £3.50 with unlimited travel across York on Saturday 1 June. The special ticket will be available on the First Bus app from 31 May and is valid for travel on 1 June only.
How much is it
York Pride is a free event! There is no entry fee, but donations are welcomed.
You can get your York Pride 2024 wristband for £6, which can get you great discounts on a variety of York retailers and attractions – see the full list here.
Wristbands can be purchased online or in person at the Visit York Information Centre, LNER Travel Centre, Rainbows Ceramics on Bootham, and The White Horse on Bootham.
At the event there will be food, drink and shopping stalls with refreshments and goodies available to buy. Cash and card will be accepted on the day – but cash is recommended due to limited internet at the site.
The nearest cash machine is the Sainsbury’s Local on Blossom Street.
For more information about the event, visit the York Pride website.