The University is proudly supporting Portsmouth Pride again this year after committing to a three year partnership agreement
The University is proudly supporting Portsmouth Pride again this year after committing to a three year partnership agreement.
This annual event – which champions LGBTQ+ equality through entertainment and engagement with the local community – takes on extra significance this year, with Portsmouth Pride playing host to the UK Pride 2025 event in the city for the first time.
Mike Johnson, Director of Library and Information Services and Senior Leader Sponsor for the University’s LGBTQ+ Staff Network, said: “At the University, we proudly stand with Portsmouth Pride in championing equality and celebrating diversity. It’s a privilege to support a local event that not only reflects these values but also brings our community together in a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ inclusion, respect, and unity across all walks of life.”
Student events
- Make a Pride Flag – Be Part of Portsmouth Pride!
Calling all artists, allies, and activists -whether you’re a dab hand with a Sharpie or just want to add your message of support, your contribution matters. Design and decorate your very own pride flag, which will be proudly displayed at the UK Pride March. Drop-in at the Students' Union Common Room on the Ground Floor any day this week between 12.00pm and 2.00pm. - Switch Up: Pride: Drag me to Wednesday – Wednesday 4 June at Go Rogue, Palmerston Road, Southsea
Let’s celebrate every colour of the rainbow and every part of who we are.
We’re talking arcade chaos, karaoke that hits just right, darts with a twist, and dance moves worthy of the ‘For You’ page.
UK Pride parade
Portsmouth Pride is a volunteer-run local charity organising one of the biggest completely free and unfenced Pride events in the country. Whether you're part of a group or an individual champion of equality, everyone is welcome to join Portsmouth’s biggest ever Pride procession on Saturday 7 June.
The parade route will begin at the registration point outside Southsea Beach Café from 11.00am and will tail back to The Canoe Lake Car Park. With vibrant Batalá drummers leading the way and a magnificent community-crafted pride flag soaring above, the parade will pass key landmarks along Southsea Seafront including South Parade Pier, the Pyramids Centre, Southsea Castle, the D-Day Museum, and the Blue Reef Aquarium before turning into Southsea Common, finishing the 1.3 mile route at the main stage which the tail-end of the parade is expected to reach before 1.30pm.
University stall at Portsmouth Pride main event
The University will have a visible presence at the all-day Portsmouth Pride event on Saturday 7 June following the UK Pride parade. Volunteers from across the University will be running a stall alongside University of Portsmouth Students’ Union representatives, inviting visitors and members of the public to reflect on what Allyship means to them:
- write your thoughts on a heart-shaped post-it – whether it’s a word, a message, or a personal experience;
- Stick it up on our Wall of Allyship – helping us build a big, bold display of support and solidarity;
- Then spin the Pride Wheel for a chance to win some university merchandise!
Throughout the day some incredible acts are set to perform on the main stage, with Nadine Coyle from Girls Aloud as the headline act, alongside entertainment from Ru Paul's Drag Race UK winner Kyran Thrax, as well as Katie Price, Sabrina Washington from Mis-Teeq, and many more. There will also be performance on the community stage as well as stalls and food and drink available.
About Portsmouth Pride
Portsmouth Pride has always been more than just one day, it is a year-round programme of events spread across the city for everyone who lives, works, or studies in Portsmouth to get involved in. We come together for our flagship Main Day Event to celebrate all of this work, and the people who make it possible.
Staff and students can visit Portsmouth Pride’s website for more information.