As we reach the end of LGBT Pride Month, it would be understandable to think that the same goes for the Pride events…
But, thankfully, across the country, celebrations are ongoing even as late as September! And Kent is no exception – fear not if you missed out on any this June, and go to one (or all!) of the events listed here!
Deal Pride – Saturday 11th July
The march runs from 11am to noon, starting from Alfred Square, a scenic route that will pass by the seafront, pier, and castle, before finishing at Walmer Green.
Then, at Walmer Green, there will be a Pride Party with live performances, community stalls, and market stalls – ongoing until 5pm! Both events are free to attend.
Swale Pride – Saturday 18th July
Taking place on the Isle of Sheppey, the march runs from 10:30am to 11am, starting outside Vals Cars on Sheerness High Street, and finishing at Sheerness Sandpit / Beachfields – the full route can be viewed on their Instagram.
The main event will then be from 11am to 4pm at the end of the route, where there will be live performances! Both events are free to attend.
Folkestone Pride – Saturday 25th July
The march begins at Marleys, beginning at 1pm, and ends at the Leas Bandstand at 1:45 – the full route for which can be viewed here on their Instagram. For those with accessibility requirements, the organisers recommend joining the route at the Town Hall or next to the memorial arch, where the terrain is less steep and uneven.
At Leas Bandstand will be a picnic with live performances, food stalls, a story-time by Folkestone Bookshop, and much more – including Queer Line Dancing! The picnic will be followed by an afterparty at Folkestone Quarterhouse at 9pm. All events are free to attend.
Faversham Pride – Saturday 25th July
Although Faversham Pride does not have a march, they more than make up for it. Across two stages at West Faversham Community Centre, the day features live performances, food and drink, as well as fairground rides! The funday runs from 12pm-6pm, and though it is free, attendees must register beforehand. Attendees are also told not to bring their own food and drinks.
Following the funday, there will be an 18+ Afterparty at the same location.
Tonbridge Pride – Saturday 8th August
The march begins at 12pm, beginning on the River Lawn, before marching up the High Street to Tonbridge Castle – a truly unique and amazing location for a Pride celebration! At Tonbridge Castle, there’ll be activities, stalls, and live performances until 10pm. All events are free!
Margate Pride – Saturday 8th August
Margate Pride celebrates its ten year anniversary this year!
Prior to the march, Margate Pride kicks off with an early morning family event at Walpole Bay Lawns from 10am to 1pm, with includes family storytime, Baby Rave, bring-your-own-picnic, speeches, music, and more.
The march begins from the same location at Walpole Bay Lawns at 1pm, and the route goes along the seafront to Dreamland, arriving around 2pm. Margate Pride sets themselves apart by being “proudly corporate-free” – meaning no company floats, political parties, or sponsorships in the march, and instead focusing on community groups and individuals.
Individuals are able to register for free or with donation to march directly in the parade. The organisers also encourage attendees to bring banners and placards!
Then, at Dreamland, events run from 2pm to 5pm, taking over the outdoor Scenic Stage with an afternoon of live music, DJs, drag, cabaret, crafts, Mx Margate (their alternative beauty pageant), and community stalls, as well as a wellbeing space and youth pride.
All ages are welcome to attend, completely free, with no registration. Attendees are also welcome to bring their own food and drinks. Dogs are not permitted at Dreamland unless they are service dogs, but they are welcome on a lead at Walpole Bay Lawns. The event is also fully accessible, including an accessible toilet and ramped access.
Aside from the 8th of August, Margate Pride also organises lots of events throughout the year, which can be found on their website.
For up-to-date info on their Pride event, it’s best to keep an eye on their Instagram.
Medway Pride – Saturday 22nd August
The march begins at 10:30am along Rochester High Street, finishing at Rochester Castle Gardens. From there, celebrations will be at the Castle – another great Pride location! – from 12pm until 8pm, and will include live acts and a market.
Although it is free to watch the parade, a paid ticket will be needed to enter the Castle Gardens, due to limited capacity and a need for donations to cover services and support for the Medway LGBT community every year – due to the former, tickets will be limited, so it’s good to sign up sooner rather than later! However, as people may leave early during the day, there may be some tickets available on the door.
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Seaside Pride – Ramsgate Pride x Broadstairs Pride – Saturday 19th/ 20th September
Ramsgate and Broadstairs Pride are working together for Seaside Pride, with their dual events taking place over the weekend. Ramsgate Pride will be on the 19th, and Broadstairs on the 20th.
Since the events are further off, there is less information at this point in time, so it’s recommended to keep up with their Instagrams – you can find the Ramsgate Pride Instagram here, and the Broadstairs Pride one here.
The importance of Pride
With the funding issues facing many Pride events across the country, including the unfortunate news that Surrey Pride had to call off their celebrations this year due to a lack of sponsorships, and after Surrey County Council officially withdrew their support, it’s important to show up and show support for LGBT groups.
Amidst the celebrations and partying, it is important to remember that Pride is both protest and celebration, especially during a time where the rights of many LGBT people – particularly trans people – are under threat. A decade ago, the UK was top of the leaderboard for LGBT rights in Europe.
In 2025, we dropped to 22nd out of 45.
Support from allies is always welcome at Pride, but it is important to remember the reasons why Pride exists, and why it continues to be necessary.
