Bristol Pride 2022: when is LGBTQ+ celebration, do I need a ticket, Pride Day festival lineup & other events

As we arrive in the month of June, so does Pride - an important time in the calendar for millions of people across the globe.

Much like most cities, Bristol is preparing their celebrations with various events and festivals - all this comes together to make Bristol Pride, which returns in 2022.

The last event - which was in 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic - brought around 40,000 different people together at The Downs.

Here is everything you need to know about its return event this year, such as entry details, Pride Day lineup and other events taking place in Bristol.

What is Pride?

Every year, Pride takes place during the full month of June - a total of 30 days dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

It was established in November 1969, but instead of starting out as a celebration, it began as a protest - most notably, the Stonewall riots that took place in the US during this time.

A bar located in Manhattan, New York called ‘The Stonewall Inn’ was synonymously a safe haven for the city’s gay, lesbian and transgender community, but was raided by police - the community decided to fight back, establishing the very matra of Pride.

52-years-later, it is still going strong with an estimate of over two million participants - but instead, these days it is more of a celebration, with parades and bespoke events taking place throughout local communities across the world.

Pride celebrates people coming together in love and friendship, to raise awareness of current issues as well as promoting acceptance and equality in all forms of life.

When is Bristol Pride taking place and where is it held?

Bristol Pride is a unique event that celebrates the city’s LGBTQ+ community, bringing people together through music, love and much more.

Pride is known to make the city come alive and takes place throughout two weeks that includes an exciting catalogue of various events, as well as the spectacular Pride Day festival, which is set to showcase some big music names.

Bristol Pride 2022 will commence on Saturday, 25 June and will last until Monday, 11 July.

Pride Day - which starts with the Pride Parade - will take place on Saturday, 9 July at The Downs, whilst the Pride March will make its return on the very same day.

How can I get tickets to Bristol Pride 2022?

The Pride Day festival does not use your traditional ticketing system, instead you can purchase different types of wristbands that will deliver various benefits and capabilities.

But when it comes to entry to the event - it is totally free.

Here are some examples of the different types of wristbands and the benefits of each:

• Pride Day Supporter (£7) - discount at Pride bars, free travel on Pride Day with First Bus and shuttle service, dedicated festival entry lane, discount and freebies with food traders on Pride Day
• Pride Day Fast Track Supporter (£12.50) - everything above, plus guaranteed anytime fast track entry and a bespoke fabric wristband
• Pride Day & Night Supporter (£18) - everything above, entry to The Official Pride Afterparty at The O2, free or discounted entry to partner events

And a number of others - visit the wristband section on the official website for further details and to purchase some.

You will also not require a ticket to attend the Parade March - for further information on this, visit the website.

What is the full lineup and schedule for Pride Day 2022?

Pride Day is the festival portion of Bristol Pride, boasting a star-studded lineup of musicians that is headlined by American singer Carly Rae Jepsen - well known for popular song ‘Call Me Maybe’.

Here is the artist line-up for the Main Stage of Pride Day:

• Boogaloo Stu (host)
• Singout Bristol - 12:40 pm
• Freddie Lewis - 1:10 pm
• Tiggie Hawke - 1:30 pm
• Kelly Wilde - 1:55 pm
• Booty Luv - 2:20 pm
• Katrina of the Waves - 2:50 pm
• Dr Meaker - 3:35 pm
• Alexandra Burke - 4:20 pm
• Abba Inferno - 5 pm
• HYYTS - 5:45 pm
• Cosmic Ninja - 6:25 pm
• Toya Delazy - 7:05 pm
• Bright Light Bright Light - 7:40 pm
• Carly Rae Jepsen - 8:30 pm

Are there other Pride events taking place in Bristol?

Bristol Pride 2022 has scheduled around 58 other events that are set to take place throughout June and at the start of July.

Here are three examples of the different Pride events that are taking place throughout the Bristol region:

Let’s Make Queer Comics

Price: £5 general admission // £2.50 with a wristband

Where: The Station, Silver Street, Bristol - BS1 2AG

When: Wednesday, 29 June - starts at 6 pm

For something creative and cool, join PrideCAF and Rough Sketch Productions for an evening where you will learn all about comics and the LGBTQ+ community, finishing as you put pen to paper.

Book tickets here.

Bristol Pride Dog Show

Price: £2 general admission // FREE with a wristband

Where: Castle Park, Wine Street, Bristol

When: Saturday, 2 July - starts at 12 pm

In what is renowned for being a ‘pawsome’ show where furry friends can show off their style and charisma to win the top prizes, the Bristol Pride Dog Show is a must attend during Bristol Pride in 2022.

Categories include: ‘Waggiest Tail’, ‘Most Well Groomed’, ‘Happiest Rescue’ and many others.

Book tickets here.

Bristol Pride Drink and Draw

Price: FREE for all

Where: The Old Market Tavern, Bristol

When: Thursday, 7 July - starts at 7 pm

For those who wish to celebrate Bristol Pride 2022 with some booze-filled entertainment, grab a pint and a pen and come along for this chilled evening full of pint drinking and drawing.

To have a look at the many other events taking place throughout Bristol during Pride in 2022, view the full list on the website.