Sister Sledge, Jason Donovan and RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Myki Meeks and Catrin Feelings to headline Bristol Pride 2026

Bristol Pride has unveiled the first wave of artists for its 2026 festival, announcing a blockbuster line-up featuring Jason Donovan, Sister Sledge and RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Myki Meeks and Catrin Feelings. The festival returns to The Downs on Saturday, 11 July and is expected to draw around 40,000 attendees.

Global disco greats Sister Sledge will headline the Main Stage, performing with the Sledgendary band as more members of the Sledge family join their enduring musical legacy. Celebrated for timeless anthems including We Are Family, Lost In Music and He’s The Greatest Dancer, the group have sold more than 15 million records worldwide.

Australian entertainer Jason Donovan will take on the festival’s popular Afternoon Legend slot. Rising to fame as Neighbours’ Scott Robinson before becoming a chart-topping pop star and acclaimed musical theatre performer, Donovan will deliver a full hour-long set featuring hits such as Too Many Broken Hearts, Sealed with a Kiss and Especially for You.

Also confirmed are two fan favourites from RuPaul’s Drag Race: Orlando’s high-energy performer Myki Meeks, currently appearing in Season 18, and Welsh TikTok star Catrin Feelings, known from the UK show’s seventh season.

Further acts in the first announcement include Italian house music pioneers Black Box, BBC Sound of 2026 pick and rising alt‑pop talent Chloe Qisha, acclaimed tribute act Absolute Britney, and vocalist Kelly Llorenna, famed for the Clubland classic Set You Free. More artists will be revealed in the coming months.

Tickets for Bristol Pride 2026 are now on sale. The charity has introduced updated pricing aimed at securing the long-term future of the event while maintaining accessibility, with concession options and Pay What You Can tickets available. Full details are online at bristolpride.co.uk.

The festival will again open with the city’s huge Parade March. Last year an estimated 25,000 people joined the procession through the city centre towards the harbourside.

Pride celebrations will span two weeks, running from Saturday, 27 June to Sunday, 12 July, with returning favourites including Drag Queen Bingo on Bristol Ferries, the Pride Comedy Night at Bristol Old Vic, Circus Night at Circomedia, screenings at Watershed and the former IMAX, theatre events, gaming sessions and the ever-popular Pride Dog Show on 4 July.

Bristol Pride Director Daryn Carter MBE said the 2026 launch marked “the start of something really special”, adding: “This first wave of artists brings together legendary names and rising stars and there’s so much more still to come. Pride is as much needed now as it ever was as the community comes together in celebration, protest and solidarity.”

He noted increasing pressures facing large community events but stressed the charity’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity: “We need as many people as possible to support the festival this year while making sure there are more ways than ever for people to attend regardless of income - because financial accessibility will always be at the heart of what we do.”

The full Pride Day line-up and complete programme of citywide events will be announced soon.