In just over a week Pride returns to Croydon. This year it’s billed as Croydon’s Mini PrideFest, because it’s on a smaller scale than the previous years’ celebrations in Wandle Park. Earlier this year it didn’t look like there would be a Croydon Pride at all due to funding issues and rising costs, but fortunately for us the much loved Croydon charity has somehow turned it around and is presenting a PrideFest in the centre of Croydon on Saturday 20 July.

In recent years, my favourite PrideFest actually was the inaugural 2016 celebrations which took place in and around Surrey Street. I loved the hustle and bustle of the festivities being on our streets (plus no mud if it rains!), so I am rather looking forward to the event returning to the town centre.

The main festivities are from noon until 6pm, within the pedestrianised area of the High Street outside Grants, with live performances, music, dance, and stalls, whilst the walking parade will start outside Marks and Spencer on North End at 2pm.

The event is free to attend, but you need to register to join the parade (see here).

The chair of Croydon Pride, Paula Goodwin, says of the event, “I am thrilled to see our community come together once again to celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance. Despite the challenges we faced with funding this year, the spirit of unity and pride shines brighter than ever. This event is a testament to the resilience and strength of our community, and I am honoured to be a part of it.”

And although this year’s PrideFest is being described as ‘mini’ it now seems far from that, as other organisations from the community are getting involved too.

This means Pride actually starts on the Friday evening (19 July) with a an interactive screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show in the David Lean Cinema, then continues on the Saturday morning from 10.30am with a range of joyful join-in events at Croydon Clocktower in support of the main PrideFest, which includes free drop-in artist-led activities with craft (I hear there’ll be some pottery), talks, workshops, face painting and performances for children, families and adults alike.

A PrideFest wouldn’t be complete without an after-party but on Saturday 20 July there’s more than one.

Firstly you can head to Boxpark from 4pm where Queer Croydon are taking over the main stage for an evening of stunning performances from local DJs and artists.

Their Majesties hosts Asifa Lahore and Shepherd’s Bush will be hosting as well performing, along with Drag Artists, Pole Dancers, Burlesque Performers, and more.

This event goes on until 1am, but last admission is at 7pm, so if you don’t make it in time, do not fear, as there is an after-after party over at the Oval Tavern from 9.30pm with a Their Majesties Pride Special.

Or if you fancy heading in the other direction to the high street, there’s yet another after-party choice at Funhouse Croydon where Kandyhaus is presenting a wonderful drag and DJ night from 7-10.30pm.

So all in all some major partying for a mini PrideFest.

See you there.

Keep up to date with Croydon Pride for further details on their website, Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook.
Also check out the events listings on Queer Croydon, and Culture Croydon.
The Boxpark after-party is a free event but make sure you register for your ticket here.

Images courtesy of Croydon Pride and Queer Croydon. Header image by Glenn Foster.

Posted by Julia