We have some incredibly exciting news to share! The award-winning Rossendale Pride Festival is officially returning to The Whitaker on Saturday, 18th July 2026. Running from 11am to 3pm, this highly anticipated community celebration is completely FREE to attend and promises a vibrant day of live music, family-friendly entertainment, and essential community connections.
Following the incredible honor of winning Best Small Event in Lancashire at the Lancashire Tourism Awards for our 2025 event, we are so proud to be partnering with Spectrum Inclusion once again to bring you Rossendale’s third annual Pride.
“Now more than ever, Pride is important to show people they are not alone and to give a safe space and community for people to be themselves, which they may not have otherwise.” — Jack Riggs, Director at Spectrum Inclusion
Whether you are looking to dance, connect with local support networks, or enjoy a fun day out with the family, everyone is welcome! Here is a sneak peek at what we have lined up for this year’s festival:
The Main Stage Lineup
Our Main Stage is set to feature a diverse and dynamic lineup of performers celebrating queer joy, creativity, and local youth culture:
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Diana Do Good: The hilariously sharp comedy drag artist.
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Rossendale Youth Zone: Showcasing incredible local young talent.
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BIN Collective: A Lancashire-based DIY artist collective bringing a high-energy Puppet Rave.
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Candi Martin (Writing for Wellness Rossendale): Promoting mental well-being through the power of words.
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Romina Ramos: Renowned local artist and writer.
Family Entertainment & Activities
Beyond the music, the festival grounds will be packed with interactive entertainment, creative sanctuaries, and fun for all ages:
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Aida H Dee The Storytime Drag Queen: The award-winning children’s author and founder of Drag Queen Story Hour UK.
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Jez Dolan: Artist engagement exploring safe spaces, identity, and belonging.
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Ink and Soul: A travelling library, storytelling stage, and creative sanctuary.
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Sarah Kershaw Circus: Circus skills workshops to keep the whole family entertained.
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Family Crafts & Face Painting: Get creative at our craft and expression stations where you can make your own badges, decorate fans, or create a magical wand!
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Delicious Food & Drink: Keep your energy up with refreshments provided by Manr and GroundUp.
An Award-Winning Support Network
An exceptional Pride celebration thrives on a strong community foundation. We are thrilled to host a brilliant lineup of advice, health, and wellbeing support organisations. We encourage everyone to stop by the community stalls to grab resources, seek advice, or simply have a friendly chat.
Participating groups include:
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Lancashire LGBT
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The Other World
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NHS Talking Therapies (Lancashire & South Cumbria)
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Proud Rovers
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Renaissance UK
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Chrysalis
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Loving Me
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Be/Here MCR
Event Details at a Glance
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Event: Rossendale Pride Festival
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Date: Saturday, 18th July
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Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
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Location: The Whitaker, Rossendale
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Admission: FREE
As Gaynor Seville, our Creative Director, beautifully put it: “The Whitaker is a place for all, and we actively celebrate our LGBTQIA community and will always be a supportive and safe place for everyone.” We can’t wait to see you all coming together to dance, sing, and fly those rainbow Pride flags high!
For the latest updates, make sure to follow The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery on Facebook and Instagram. Let’s make this the best Pride yet!
Photographs from last years Rossendale Pride 2025.
Photo Credits: Peter Walker & Tom Winstanley
