SPECIALFEATURE
PRIDE 2026 KENT’ S TIME TO SHINE
IT’ S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN … GET READY TO SEE KENT BURSTING WITH COLOUR! FROM VIBRANT COASTAL PARADES TO CITY CENTRE CARNIVALS, PRIDE SEASON IS A TIME TO RAISE AWARENESS AND CELEBRATE THE LGBTQIA + COMMUNITY IN STYLE, SO LET’ S EMBRACE THE LOVE AND CHERISH BEING EXACTLY WHO WE ARE.
CANTERBURY PRIDE
WHETHER YOU’ RE COMING TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE LOVE, FRIENDSHIP OR SIMPLY TO SPREAD SOME JOY, KENT’ S 2026 PRIDE EVENTS PROMISE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. FROM DANCING UNDER THE STARS TO COMMUNITY PARADES, THE COUNTY WILL COME ALIVE. HERE, WE KICK OFF THE CELEBRATIONS WITH A LOOK AT KENT’ S BIGGEST AND BEST SUMMER PRIDE EVENTS.
ASHFORD PRIDE
CANTERBURY PRIDE
Pride Canterbury, 6 June, pridecanterbury. com
Kicking off with the largest Pride event across the county, Canterbury’ s cobbled streets become packed with a vibrant parade, community stalls and a wide range of food and drink vendors. This year, the event will have a diverse artist lineup with some of the UK’ s favourite tribute acts. Don’ t forget the Official Pride Canterbury After Party, which will roll on‘ til the early hours so you can dance the night away in style.
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Pride Ashford 20 & 27 June, prideashford. com
For the third year running, Ashford will host a community Pride event, which is this year located at the bandstand; the day will be crammed full of upbeat music, fabulous drag acts and an array of local talent from across Kent. Don’ t miss the brand-new event for 2026- The Kent Pride Games, set to be held at Julie Rose Stadium- prepare to get competitive and celebrate Pride on the track!
Folkestone Pride 25 July, folkestonepride. org
Championing the diversity of Folkestone and Hythe’ s queer community, Folkestone Pride is an empowering event and a big, very popular summer celebration, attracting thousands of visitors and locals to stand together in unity. The parade is a symbol of belonging, taking place alongside a colourful bandstand hosting live performances throughout the day with drag storytimes and workshops. The day finishes with a high-spirited afterparty to end the celebration with a bang.
Tonbridge Pride 8 August, tonbridgepride
Family-friendly and ready to spread the love, Tonbridge Pride is back for a fifth year, taking place in the medieval Tonbridge Castle. The event offers entertainment for the whole family, running through the day into the night, and there’ ll be a wide range of stalls and food vendors, too.
Margate Pride 8 August, margatepride. org. uk
Taking over the Thanet coast this summer are three spectacular Pride events beginning with Margate. The coastal town will be a buzz of parades, rallies and workshops held at the Walpole Bay Lawns, before the celebrations make their way to the Margate Pride party at iconic venue Dreamland, with a mix of headline acts, DJs and drag royalty.
Medway Pride 22 August, medwaypride. co. uk
Bigger, better and even more glitter all apply to Medway Pride this year, where everyone is welcome to celebrate in the grounds of Rochester Castle Gardens. Kicking off the day is a vibrant parade through the cobblestoned streets that marches all the way to the castle where an epic festival will begin that’ s packed with a lineup of unforgettable performances. The event continues well into the night, dancing under the stars with twinkling lights and vibrant music to keep the energy high.
Ramsgate & Broadstairs Pride 19 & 20 September, visitthanet. co. uk
Continuing along the East Kent coastline, Ramsgate and Broadstairs are set to thrill with a weekend crammed full of entertainment and celebrations. With a touch of seaside charm, the weekend boasts a family festival, workshops, community stages and a march through the coastal towns to soak up the spirit of love, acceptance and, of course, pride. www. insidekent. co. uk • 39