Wakefield Community Pride Fringe 2025: A Pride Reclaimed by the People
- LonGBoaT Wakefield
- Aug 2
- 3 min read
As we’ve been putting the finishing touches on our most ambitious Pride event yet, we’re thrilled to finally share what’s in store for Wakefield Community Pride Fringe 2025, taking place on Sunday 10 August across Wakefield city centre.
After years of uncertainty from our Community event at the New Union, LonGBoaT Wakefield and a network of committed local partners have come together to reclaim Pride; not as a commercial spectacle, but as a grassroots celebration rooted in community creativity.
What’s Happening on the Day?
Pride Fringe is a vibrant patchwork of events designed to uplift LGBT+ lives and voices in Wakefield; through art, conversation, food, talks and socialising. Here’s a taste of what you can expect:
Pride Breakfast – Grind Coffee House, 9:00am: Start the day with a relaxed breakfast in good company.
Community Stalls – Westgate Unitarian Chapel, 10:00am–2:00pm: Local organisations, artists and campaigners all under one roof.
Queer Talks – 11:00am–3:00pm: Featuring guest speakers from BAFTA-winning producers to trans advocates and public health professionals.
Creative Writing Workshops – CoffeeWrite, 11:30am & 2:00pm: Join free sessions exploring Pride, protest and joy through words. Free Tickets are Required.
Book Sale – 10:00am–4:00pm: Browse our second-hand queer lit stall and support LonGBoaT’s work with your purchases.
Arts & Crafts Drop-In – Art Exchange Studios, all day: A creative space hosted by the Prince of Wales Hospice team.
Pride Lunch & Open Mic – The New Union, 11:00am–5:00pm: A community meal followed by an open mic for poetry, stories, and music. Slot Booking Recommended
Interfaith Pride Service – Westgate Unitarian Chapel, 3:00pm: A welcoming and reflective celebration open to all faiths and none.
Drag Karaoke – Calder & Hops, 12:00–9:00pm: Hosted by the one and only Miss Barb Wyre.
After-Party & Drag Shows – The New Union, 6:00pm–late: Featuring drag excellence from Ariel 51, Poptart, Imogen Hay and DJ Mickki Lamport.
Timeline of Events
And there’s much more; quiet wellbeing spaces, community-led stalls, pop-up performances and moments of reflection throughout the day.
Why This Pride is Different
This year’s Pride is community-led and corporate-free. This year we’ve deliberately stepped away from brand sponsorship and towards local, ethical funding—from grassroots donations, Wakefield Council’s Culture Grants, trade unions and the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust.
As our LonGBoaT Wakefield Chair David said:
“We want Pride to be built from the ground up, to reflect the real lives, talents and needs of LGBT+ people across Wakefield district.”
Why Pride Still Matters
From the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967 to the fight for marriage equality and trans rights today, Pride has always been about visibility, resistance, and joy.
In 2025, LGBT+ communities (especially trans, nonbinary, and racialised queer people) still face significant discrimination, media hostility and social exclusion. Pride is both a celebration and a call to action. It’s also a gesture of solidarity with global LGBT+ communities living under threat.
Get Involved
There’s still time to get involved. We’re looking for volunteers, performers, makers, creatives and supporters. Whether you want to help on the day, host a stall, run a workshop, make a donation or just lend your voice—we’d love to hear from you.
Wakefield Community Pride Fringe
🗓 Sunday 10 August 2025
📍 Wakefield City Centre – multiple venues
🎟 Free, accessible, and open to all
This is your Pride. Made by us, for us. Let’s make it unforgettable.
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