York Pride is set to put on its biggest celebration in the city centre so far with the backing of the Mayor of York.
The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and the Combined Authority are revealed today (Thursday) as the main partner and sponsor for York Pride 2026.
The authority is supporting Pride with a £22,000 investment through the Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund.
Taking place on Saturday, May 30 this year, York Pride has grown over the years to become the largest LGBTQ+ celebration in York and North Yorkshire.
More than 17,500 people took part in the event last year, setting its highest record for attendance so far and cementing York Pride as the region’s largest free one-day event.
David Skaith, the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “York Pride is a highlight of York and North Yorkshire’s calendar, and I’m delighted that we’re supporting this special event as lead partner for what should be another record-breaking celebration.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to show our solidarity with York and North Yorkshire’s LGBTQ+ community while welcoming thousands of visitors into the heart of York.
“Events like this are also vital for our high street, and I look forward to seeing our streets filled with the love, energy, pride, and inclusivity that runs throughout our region.”
David told YorkMix: “We know how amazing this event this has been for many years now. We’re putting some money behind it, to really drive investment into it.
“Pride is fantastic. It drives footfall into our high streets, bringing that spending. It’s also just a wonderful event, a wonderful showcase of bringing people together and showcasing how a great city York is.
“I’ve been fortunate to come to five or six Prides I think now. So many people come together, family, young people. It’s a great showcase of how we are a unified city.”
Greg Stephenson, Managing Director of York Pride, said: “York Pride exists to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community while also creating space for visibility, solidarity and joy.
“We’re delighted to welcome Mayor David Skaith and York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority as our main partner for 2026.
“Their support demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusion across our region and will help us continue delivering an event that brings thousands of people together to celebrate pride in York.”
Greg told YorkMix: “I’ve been doing this 14 years now, and this just wouldn’t have happened 14 years ago. It’s crazy how things have changed.
“And you know, Pride is an important event for the city, for the community, and it’s just a real good day out for everybody with an amazing message of love, tolerance and inclusivity.”
York Pride will start with a vibrant parade through the city’s historic streets before culminating in a full day of live music, community-run stalls and entertainment at the Knavesmire.
