Pride in London parade, events, parties and festival highlights

A steamy sauna musical, a glittering orchestra, disco, drag and Conchita — celebrate sexuality of all kinds this weekend in our big gay capital
March on: don't miss the Pride in London parade on Saturday June 28 (Picture: Paul Brown/Rex)
Paul Brown/REX
Ben Walters27 June 2014

Showtime: Pride Main Stage

Trafalgar Square, Sat Jun 28

The Pride parade leads to the event’s main stage beneath Nelson’s Column. Bearded drag diva du jour Conchita Wurst, fresh from her Eurovision triumph, tops a bill comprising more or less fluffy pop and drag acts, including Samantha Fox, Sinitta and Sink the Pink.

1pm-8pm, free, prideinlondon.org

Drag diva: Conchita Wurst will perform at the Main Stage at London's Pride Parade (Picture: Rex)
REX

Parade: Pride parade

London’s legendary Pride parade has been a mainstay of the LGBT party calendar here since 1972. Initially it took place to commemorate the Stonewall riots but it soon became a major political tool in promoting social change — as well as being a huge annual party. Its popularity only increased after Section 28 was forced in under Thatcher’s government, and it still attracts tens of thousands of people who take part and line the route. Starting from the bottom of Baker Street at 1pm and moving through London to Trafalgar Square, it will be a throng of music, dance and floats, as well as crowds campaigners and political speakers, with special events at the close in front of the National Gallery.

Party: The Trendy Discotheque

The Black Cap, Sat Jun 28

If that’s not enough cheese for you, Camden’s fave gay pub offers a smorgasbord of Scandinavian pop courtesy of club night Push the Button and pals. Come after midnight (as in gimme, gimme, gimme a man) and brace yourself for an “onslaught of ABBA”.

Party: Luscious

Union, Sat Jun 28

Not far from the parade route, this women’s club specialises in old-school funk, soul and disco, with a generous serving of gay anthems for tonight as well. Hosted by Dj 9* and Deejay Ritu, with full menu available too.

Exhibition: Floriography: The Language of Flowers

Above the Stag Theatre, until Sun Jul 20

Hot men and beautiful flowers — what’s not to like about this exhibition of photographic portraits by GAZ. Best known for more conventional images, this sees the artist experimenting with images from nature too.

5.30pm-10.30pm, free, abovethestag.com

Flower power: an image from the Floriography: The Language of Flowers exhibition

Showtime: Transforming Stories

Ovalhouse Theatre, Jul 28-29

A performance triple bill including a drag-flamenco “fantasia of ham and sequins” by DeNada Dance Theatre; a piece about breast-binding by the smart and engaging Lucy Hutson; plus artist Evan Ifekoya offering “tips for making fun stuff out of rubbish”.

Party: Bar Wotever Pride Special

RVT, Sat Jun 28

One of the most diverse gangs in the LGBT scene, Wotever has long been about celebrating difference of all kinds — sex, gender, size, colour, you name it. High-octane artiste Mzz Kimberly hosts this special Pride bash.

Party: Gay Shame and Lesbian Weakness

Electric Brixton, Sat Jun 28

Back after several years off, this tongue-in-cheek alternative to the mainstream festivities is run by ace queer club Duckie. Performers Christeene, Ann Liv Young and Lady Leshurr star in “a compulsory celebration” set in “a rainbow-flag version of North Korea”.

Party: Urban World Pride

Scala, Sat Jun 28

A constellation of the UK’s top urban and world club nights comes together across four floors of the Scala. Queer Nation, Bootylicious, Work, PYT, Urban Desi, Liberte and Habibi are all taking part.

Showtime: Bathhouse: The Musical

Above the Stag Theatre, until Sun Jul 20

Billy is looking for love among the hedonists in this campy musical about a young man’s first time in a gay sauna. We’re told it “contains steam, brief nudity and lots of bubbles”…

Film: The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Clapham Picturehouse, Fri Jun 27

Drag queen Myra Dubois is on hand to rev up the Time Warp before a midnight screening of the classic freaky-camp horror musical.

Exhibition: Clifford Chance LGBT Art

Clifford Chance, Fridays until Jul 18

Since 2007 this global law firm has held an exhibition showcasing LGBT-themed art in London and New York. This year’s collection features eight young artists and claims a pop theme of bright colours and sunny outlooks.

12pm-6pm, by appointment on 020 7006 5183; prideinlondon.org

On show: Simon Foxall Regency Dreamboat (1995) 2014 oil on canvas © The Artist, courtesy Simon Oldfield Gallery
The Artist, courtesy Simon OldAfield Gallery

Party: Mastery

The Backstreet, Sat Jun 28

A steamy night that’s not for the faint-hearted – or, more to the point, those without the requisite wardrobe. It’s a party for men into leather, rubber and fetishes, including what might just count as the biggest taboo these days: smoking.

Showtime: Transpose: Rage & Pride Edition

Hackney Attic, Sat Jun 28

The T part of LGBT — trans — has often been overshadowed but that’s changing year by year. This is the third edition of a “night of music, poetry, activism, love and creative rage” championing trans and queer experience.

Event: Festival of Love

Southbank Centre, from Sat Jun 28

The Southbank Centre’s major summer fest celebrates all things amatory, climaxing in a Big Wedding Weekend at the end of August. It opens tomorrow and Sunday with events including Saturdate, a free speed-dating event for all sexualities hosted by the gorgeous Timberlina.

Showtime: Christeene: The Christeene Machine

Soho Theatre, until Sat Jul 5

Christeene looks so wrong but feels so right. This underground drag rapper from Austin, Texas, seems rough as hell but puts on an incredible show of killer tunes, tight choreography, imaginative stagecraft, razor wit and genuine heart.

Party: Monochrome

Central Station, Say Jun 28

LGBT people who are into goth, metal or punk can find it hard to be accepted in either the mainstream gay scene or the subcultures they love. This party night is dedicated to breaking down some of those barriers.

Showtime: London Gay Symphony Orchestra Gala Concert

Barbican, Sun Jun 29

The London Gay Symphony Orchestrais 18 this year and celebrates by performing tunes from classic operas by Puccini, Verdi, Mozart and more at this gala concert hosted by Amy Lamé, kicking off with Glitter and Be Gay from Leonard Bernstein’s Candide.

Event: Pride Picnic in the Park

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, Sun Jun 29

This free outdoor event is a family-friendly, more leisurely alternative to the hectic gigs and parties. There’ll be literary sessions, music and a cake-making competition, plus sporting events including volleyball and tennis.

Showtime: Dolly Parton

O2 Arena, Jun 27-28

The 68-year-old queen of camp and country will be warming up for her Sunday appearance at Glastonbury with the London leg of her Blue Smoke World Tour. Tickets still available.

London Live will be broadcasting live from Pride on Saturday between 3pm and 5pm - watch Live from Pride here

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