Liverpool’s annual Pride celebration will go ahead this year after a local LGBTQ+ charity stepped in to rescue the event following its cancellation. The city’s oldest LGBTQ+ organisation, Sahir House, confirmed they would take over the coordination of Pride after the original organisers, LCR Pride Foundation, withdrew plans for the 26 July event. Their cancellation cited “significant financial and organisational challenges”, which led to the event reverting to an almost entirely volunteer-led operation and being scrapped altogether.
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However, Sahir House announced via social media that they have “turned things around”, promising a festival that is “louder, prouder, and truly ours”. The reimagined Pride in Liverpool will feature a new march route, a vibrant “queer arena” celebration, and activities tailored for families—emphasising that “Pride is for everyone.”
The revival comes amid wider concerns across the UK regarding the sustainability of Pride events. As reported by The Independent, organisers have warned that rollbacks in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the United States—particularly under the influence of Donald Trump—are having a knock-on effect in Britain. According to the UK Pride Organisers Network (UKPON), 75% of Pride events across the country have seen a drop in corporate sponsorships.
Dee Llewellyn, UKPON Chair and Director of Partnerships and Growth for London Pride, said support from large sponsors has “fallen off a cliff,” with major corporations pulling back funding—particularly those with headquarters in the US.
Sahir House is now working to raise £60,000 to fund the grassroots celebration, having already secured over £15,000. John Hyland, the charity’s Community Partnerships and Individual Giving Lead—and former co-chair of Liverpool Pride—highlighted the significance of holding the event this year.
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“Given the recent Supreme Court ruling and the wave of trans-led protests in Liverpool, this is the year we need Pride more than ever. Our community has made it clear,” he told The Independent.
In a statement on its website, Sahir House credited the “passion, determination, and sheer graft” of local LGBTQ+ artists, activists, and allies for making the revived celebration possible. Pride festivities will begin on 19 July with a grassroots celebration in Prescot at the Shakespeare North Playhouse. The event will include creative workshops, spoken word performances, a symbolic Pride demonstration with flash mobs, and safe spaces to foster community connection. With community spirit at its core, this year’s Liverpool Pride looks set to be a powerful testament to resilience, solidarity, and inclusivity.
