TL;DR
- Birmingham Pride aims for a free festival by 2027.
- Lawrence Barton announces plans to resign after 30th anniversary.
- This year’s event has reduced ticket prices for accessibility.
- The parade is free, but the two-day event usually requires tickets.
- Major performers lined up for 2026 include Katy B and Nadine Coyle.
Hold onto your rainbow flags, folks! Birmingham Pride is gearing up to make history by announcing plans to become a completely free festival by 2027. Yes, you heard that right! Lawrence Barton, the mastermind behind this fabulous event since 2009, has set his sights on a zero-cost celebration for the 30th anniversary of Birmingham Pride. Talk about a glow-up!
In a candid chat with BirminghamLive, Barton revealed his dream of bringing the festival full circle. “In 1997 I attended the first Birmingham Pride, 2027 will be the 30th anniversary. I’d love to bring it full circle. In my own mind, I’d love for it to be a free festival,” he said. And who wouldn’t want to party without worrying about ticket prices, especially in these times of rising costs?
This year, the Pride festival has already slashed ticket prices to make it more accessible, acknowledging the ongoing cost of living crisis that’s hitting everyone hard. While the parade remains free to attend, the two-day festival typically requires a ticket purchase. But fear not, because Barton is determined to change that!
“I feel like once that’s done, I think it’ll be my time to then say, we brought it full circle and I will need to pass the baton on,” Barton added, hinting at his retirement plans after achieving this monumental goal. It’s a bittersweet farewell for a leader who has dedicated over a decade to making Birmingham Pride the vibrant celebration it is today.
As we gear up for this year’s festivities on May 23 and 24, the lineup is already looking dazzling! Saturday will see performances from chart-toppers like Katy B and Sigala, alongside the fabulous Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard. And on Sunday, get ready to dance with Girls Aloud icon Nadine Coyle, as well as throwback legends Björn Again and Boney M. It’s going to be a weekend to remember!
So, mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate love, pride, and community in Birmingham. With plans for a free festival on the horizon, it’s clear that Birmingham Pride is not just about the party; it’s about making sure everyone can join in the fun. Cheers to that!