Oh We Do Like to Be Beside the Queer-Side! Margate gears up for summer of Pride

Margate is fast becoming one of the UK’s most prominent LGBTQ+ communities, with census data indicating that over 7% of its population identifies as LGBTQ+. This figure places the town ahead of Manchester and Bristol, and just behind Brighton, often referred to as the UK’s LGBTQ+ capital. Against this backdrop, Margate Pride has grown into a significant annual event.

The 2025 Margate Pride will take place on Saturday, 9 August, with the daytime festival once again hosted at Dreamland. The event will feature performances from local groups including the Social Singing Choir, the alternative drag beauty pageant Mx Margate, and a headline act yet to be announced. Activities at Dreamland will run from 2-8pm, following the Pride parade which begins at Walpole Bay Lawns. Residents and community groups are encouraged to gather from midday, with the march commencing at 1pm.

Last year’s Pride saw more than 6,000 people take to the streets of Margate, while over 20,000 attended events across the town. Organisers attribute the event’s popularity to its grassroots ethos. Margate Pride does not accept corporate sponsorship, relying instead on local fundraising and grants. This approach, they say, ensures the festival remains focused on the needs of the community and contributes meaningfully to the town’s cultural life.

A key feature returning this year is the Margate Pride Arts Map, which will guide visitors to over 30 local venues showcasing work by LGBTQ+ artists. The initiative not only supports the local creative economy but also helps artists gain exposure and opportunities. According to curator and producer Kavel Rafferty, exhibiting as part of the Arts Map has helped artists secure residencies, pursue further education, and land larger exhibitions. She expressed excitement about the range of talent being showcased this year.

In addition, a new scheme supporting disabled artists has led to Lady Kitt being awarded a special exhibition at The Margate School, further expanding the festival’s commitment to inclusivity.

Margate Pride is more than a single-day event. It encompasses a season of cultural programming designed to celebrate diversity and foster inclusion across Thanet. Heritage grants have enabled organisers to explore and share the area’s LGBTQ+ history through zines and public events. Among the highlights leading up to the main festival is a discussion titled Protest at the Margins, which will take place at CAMP on Wednesday, 6 August at 7.30pm. The event will explore the intersections of disability justice and queer liberation, with entry offered on a pay-what-you-can basis.

On Friday, 8 August, the Turner Contemporary will host Postcards from Margate in its Foyle Rooms. Set against a sunset backdrop, the evening will feature local voices sharing stories about queer life in Thanet. Tickets are priced at £7.

Following the daytime festivities on Saturday, the official after party will be held at Dreamland’s Hall By The Sea. The event will include drag performances, DJs, and a set by Tom Rasmussen, with tickets starting from £16.

In total, more than 100 events, exhibitions and parties are planned, many organised by local businesses and community groups. Margate Pride continues to grow in scale and reputation, while maintaining its commitment to community-led celebration and protest.

Mia Pollak, Director of Margate Pride, said the organisation is proud to foreground LGBTQ+ creatives and is excited about the exhibitions being presented this year. Ellie Powling, Engagement Coordinator of Margate Pride, added: “Pride is a protest and we can’t wait to march with everyone, young and old, this August."