A vibrant corner of Nottingham is set to become the city’s first officially recognised LGBTQ+ district, following the launch of the new Rainbow Quarter during Notts Pride celebrations.

Centred around the bustling streets of Hockley, the Rainbow Quarter aims to cement Nottingham’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive city. The initiative, spearheaded by local charity The Pastel Project and supported by It’s In Nottingham and other community groups, has been hailed as a “powerful statement of who we are and what we stand for” by organisers.

The area, already known for its concentration of LGBTQ+-friendly venues and a rich history of queer activism dating back to the 1990s, will now receive formal recognition through updated city maps, historical plaques, and a unified visual identity for local businesses.

Sam Harvey, director of The Pastel Project, said: “The area is unofficially known as Nottingham’s queer district anyway, but this will officially recognise that. I’ve long said Nottingham is a brilliant LGBTQ+ city and it just doesn’t seem to be recognised - this will put us on the map alongside the greats across the UK like Manchester and Brighton.”

The announcement was made during the city’s third annual Pride Festival, which drew thousands to the streets in celebration. The East Midlands Chamber has welcomed the move, predicting a boost in tourism and local investment as a result of the new designation.

The Rainbow Quarter is expected to be fully established by the time of next year’s Pride event in 2026, with plans for community-led events, art installations, and business collaborations already underway.

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Graham Robson
Graham Robson

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