It’s Pride month, so raise the rainbow flag, dust off your drag rags, and celebrate identity and diversity at the fabulous LGBTQIA+ festivals going on across Kent this summer!
Whether you fancy taking part in a march through the city, joining vibrant celebrations by the coast, partying in the park, or dancing into the small hours with drag queens, check out Pride events near you in the Garden of England this summer.
If you’re joining the celebrations in Kent, don’t forget to share your photos with us on Twitter and Instagram, and your top tips for mini-Pride events or parties for people to join.
Pride Canterbury, 8th June
Canterbury pride is back with a spectacular parade along the High Street and entertainment in the Dane John Gardens. The parade will feature live music and bring a carnival atmosphere to the city.
This year there will be the chance to upgrade to some exciting exclusive benefits, such as the Pride VFP (Very Fabulous Person) upgrade and the Meet & Greet!
Stagecoach South East are proud sponsors of Pride Canterbury 2024. Keep an eye out for our Pride buses about town and presence in the parade.
Kent Cricket
On 7th June The T20 home opener at The Spitfire Ground will officially be the Pride Match, dedicated as a celebration of LGBTQ+ communities across Kent. Each player will be wearing Pride armbands, there'll be rainbow-themed stumps, plus Pride FanKlappers handed out to spectators. Book up your tickets and get ready to celebrate!
Folkestone Pride, 27th July
Returning this year, Folkestone Pride is set to be even bigger for 2024 and has events all year round to celebrate!
The parade will kick things off before the live performances begin at the Bandstand which is set to have delicious food & drink vendors, as well as craft stalls and workshops. There will also be the chance to hear a Drag Storytime, before the celebrations are taken to The Leas Cliff Hall to dance the night away at the After Party! You can't really go wrong on a proud day out in Folkestone.
Faversham Pride, 27th July
Faversham will be hosting its Pride event, with live music and good food aiding the celebration. Pride should be an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the diversity of the community, so there is a planned a garden party for all ages to attend. Get ready for lots of games and activities! The over 18s Pride night is going to be a night to remember, with everything you need to celebrate pride in style. Enjoy amazing drag acts and dance the night the way to the best house DJ and LED lights that will let you sparkle.
Margate Pride Day & Pride at Dreamland, 10th August:
It's all go here in Margate for a special Pride celebration this August! With workshops, performances & rally and a parade. *More information and tickets coming soon!*
Then, we're off to Dreamland to continue the evening with a jam-packed line-up of your favourite performing artists, like Jodie Harsh, Bimini, Raven Mandella, and of course some of the UK’s top drag artists including Shelly Grotto, Chai La-They and Pretzel Cage.
Medway Pride, 12th - 17th August
2024 will be Medway's biggest LQBTQIA+ event and it's back with an amazing schedule, including a parade through Rochester High Street, and a full on festival at Rochester Castle, with an after party to follow!
Gravesham Pride, 10th August:
Keep your eyes peeled as more information will be coming soon!
Ashford Pride, 22nd June
Ashford will be hosting its first ever Pride event this summer, with a jam-packed day of community LGBTQIA celebrations. Kicking off the day, Made In Ashford will be hosting crafting events, the Bandstand will be the centre of live entertainment from drag compere Miss Betty Late’N Never, covers, mash-ups and more from Whiskey & Wine, Robin Mack, Ant and Rock Paper Scissors. From the Bandstand the parade will be in full swing, ending up in an after-party at favourite Coachworks for street food, music and drinks.
Travel by train with Southeastern
Ditch the car and travel by train this summer. With many of Kent’s top Pride events accessible by train, it’s the perfect excuse to gather your group and travel together with great GroupSave tickets. Better yet, the Southeastern app makes buying your tickets and planning your journey a breeze.
Radical Relationships at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Home to Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicholson, Sissinghurst Castle is packed with letters, books and objects that tell the tale of the couple’s unconventional marriage and the romantic lives of the many guests who visited the iconic house and gardens. This new display includes objects shown for the very first time, some from core members of the Bloomsbury Group, who visited over the years, and are now key figures of LGBTQ+ history. Discover their stories and how LGBTQ+ milestones resonated with Sissinghurst’s history, plus be sure to keep an eye out for key objects, including a copy of DH Lawrence’s defence of Lady Chatterley’s Lover, Edward Carpenter’s The Intermediate Sex which presents early observations of gender fluidity, plus Marguerite Radcliffe Hall’s the Well of Loneliness, which was once declared obscene for its lesbian central character.
Deal Pride and Dover Pride
The second Deal Pride will be held 13th July, with a parade marching from Alfred Square to Walmer Green accompanied by great music and the chance to spread love and acceptance. The celebrations continue with the After Party at the Astor Theatre. Celebrate and party til midnight and be ready for a special surprise cabaret.
The celebrations continue on 24th August with Dover Pride, a parade through the heart of Dover town centre, of course paired with plenty of music and entertainment for the whole family.
Travel by bus with Stagecoach
Travel safely and responsibly to your local Pride events using Stagecoach South East. Keep an eye out for their beautiful and bright Pride buses, supporting our local LGBTQ+ communities.
