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Sherborne Pride
Sunday June 28th 2026 

This is another newish Dorset Pride, and was so wonderful in 2024 & 2025!


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Date         2026  Sunday 28th June 
                 2025:- Sunday 6th July. 
                 2024:- Sunday 7th July

Venue      Pageant Gardens, Sherborne DT9 3LP
Phone      ?
email         [email protected]
website    https://sherbornepride.org/
                                                                                    Bluesky ?
                                                                                    X
(aka twitter) https://twitter.com/SherbornePride
@SherbornePride
                                                                                  
(Note 18/04/24 we noticed their X account no longer appears to be working)


Pride takes over town for biggest celebration yet  (posted here 28/06/2026)

BBC News report - for photos and full report see
- www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1dyk72rpk9o

"The streets of a Dorset town have been filled with love as a Pride parade celebrated the county's diverse community. Hundreds of people joined the fun, as Sherborne Pride returned for its third year on Sunday."

"The event aimed to bring people from across the community together, celebrating this year's themes Love Lives Here and Love Over Hate."

Sherborne Pride returns with a powerful message
- We choose Love 
(posted here 22/06/2026)

Sherborne Pride 2026
Date: Sunday 28 June 2026
Time: 10:00am – 10PM
Location: Pageant Gardens, Sherborne, Dorset
Entry remains completely free.

Chart stars Booty Luv headline as thousands expected to gather for Dorset's biggest celebration of inclusivity, community and love
SHERBORNE, DORSET – June 2026 – Sherborne Pride returns on Sunday 28 June with a vibrant day of music, performance, community celebration and visibility, bringing thousands of people together under a simple but powerful message: WE CHOOSE LOVE.

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Now in its third year, the free community-led event has grown into one of Dorset's most uplifting and anticipated celebrations, attracting visitors from across the Southwest while remaining rooted in the values that inspired it: acceptance, kindness, visibility and belonging.
Organisers expect one of the largest turnouts in the event's history as visitors from across Dorset and the wider Southwest travel to Sherborne for a day of celebration, visibility and community.


In a year where conversations around LGBTQIA+ rights have become increasingly prominent, organisers say Sherborne Pride is more important than ever. "The world can feel quite noisy and divided at times," said Sherborne Pride co-founder Sadie Wilkins. "Sherborne Pride exists to remind people that there is another choice. We can choose kindness. We can choose community. We can choose acceptance. And we can choose to celebrate people exactly as they are.

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"For one day, our town becomes a place filled with colour, joy, music, laughter and connection. It's a powerful reminder that everyone deserves to feel welcome where they live." The day begins with the Sherborne Pride Parade, weaving through the town before arriving at
Pageant Gardens, where a full programme of entertainment will run throughout the afternoon and evening.

This year's headline act is chart-topping dance duo Booty Luv, whose string of Top 10 hits including Boogie 2Nite, Shine, Some Kinda Rush and Don't Mess With My Man made them one of the UK's defining pop acts of the 2000s.
 The event will also feature viral sensation Tiana Biscuit as host, acclaimed soul artist REIGNS who has been touring with Rebecca Ferguson this year, crowd-favourite country duo The Double Dollys, local drag collective Haus of Silk, queer interdisciplinary performer Björn Åslund (The Everchangingboy), internationally acclaimed cabaret and burlesque performers including Demi Noire, live music, circus workshops, family entertainment, local community groups, artisan stalls and a wide range of food and drink vendors.

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Alongside the entertainment, organisers say Pride's true purpose remains unchanged. "The stage is wonderful and the performers are incredible, but Pride has always been about people," said co-founder Hannahlou Buttriss-Fell.

"Every year we receive messages from people who tell us that seeing Pride in Sherborne helped them feel accepted, seen or less alone. Those stories are why we do this. Visibility matters. Community matters. And showing up for one another matters more than ever." The event is made possible by a team of volunteers and the support of local businesses including Battens Solicitors, Vineyards Wine Shop, Hannah Lou Creative, Lolly Creative Agency, The Dorset Cupboard Company, Source Material Studio, Bristol Road Garage and numerous other local supporters.


This year, organisers have also launched a community Crowdfunder to help keep Sherborne Pride free and accessible for everyone in the years ahead. The theme for 2026 –We Choose Love – will be visible throughout the event, from the parade and performances to community activities and engagement across the town. "At its heart, Sherborne Pride isn't about division," added Hannah Wilkins, Co-Founder of
Sherborne Pride.
 "It's about bringing people together. It's about celebrating what we have in common. It's about creating a place where people can show up as themselves and be met with joy. "That's what Pride means to us. That's why we're inviting everyone to join us."
Highlights Include:
• Sherborne Pride Parade
• Booty Luv (Headline Performance)
• Tiana Biscuit (Host)
• REIGNS
• The Double Dollys
• Haus of Silk Drag Show

• Sherborne Rock Choir
• Circus Workshops
• Cabaret Performances
• Community Market
• Food & Drink Vendors
• Family-Friendly Activities

(above photos with thanks to Sherborne Pride)
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Sherborne Prides from previous years

BBC Report of the day:-   
Pride celebrations take over historic town  (Posted here 06/07/2025)
The BBC report had four photos, and a short report. Perhaps the key comment was "Organisers said it celebrated "acceptance, inclusivity, and rural community pride in a time when it's never been more needed".

Link:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2g0w5x70eo
Sherborne Pride 2025
Sherborne Pride Returns for a Second Year – ‘Love STILL Lives Here’
Sunday 6th July 2025 Pagent Gardens Sherborne, Dorset

Sherborne Pride is proud to announce its return on Sunday 6th July 2025, following the
overwhelming success of last year’s inaugural event, which welcomed over 3,000 attendees to the
historic Dorset town. With the resonant campaign message ‘Love STILL lives here’, the second
annual Pride is set to be even bigger, bolder, and brighter, celebrating acceptance, inclusivity, and
rural community pride in a time when it’s never been more needed.

Sherborne Pride is a free, all-welcome celebration, featuring a colourful Pride Parade, an inclusive Street Market, and the unmissable Pride Party in the Park – all brought to life by volunteers and the generous support of community-minded sponsors.
This year’s festivities are made possible by the dedication of local volunteers and the backing of key partners. Apex Brewing Co proudly returns as headline sponsor, alongside lead sponsors Battens Solicitors, Vineyards, and Hannahlou Creative.
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A star-studded line-up to celebrate pride in the heart of dorset Sherborne Pride 2025 boasts a high-energy, diverse programme of performances from nationally recognised names and beloved local talent alike.
Highlights include:
• Republica – 90s British music icons fronted by Saffron Sprackling, known for their global hits and infectious stage presence, headline this year’s celebration.

• Baga Chipz – One of the UK’s most recognisable drag artists and star of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, bringing fierce fun and fabulousness to the main stage.
• Reigns – Rising star and acclaimed singer-songwriter, having collaborated with major names like Carl Cox, Low Steppa, Benny Benassi, and Disco Fries, joins as a supporting music headliner.
• L.I.L.L (Living in Lavish Luxury) – Standout queen from Drag Race UK Series 6, serving looks and live performance realness.
• Just May Does – World-renowned Geri Halliwell impersonator and beloved ‘Porkchop’ of Drag Race UK Series 4, returns to host this year’s Pride with signature charm and cheek.
• Cleopantha – A global burlesque sensation, named among the world’s top 50 and often hailed as Britain’s best.

• Margot Marshall – International queer cabaret artist and recent performer at the BRIT Awards afterparty.
• Sugar and Spice – High-energy female vocal duo delivering powerhouse performances.
• D’Ska Assassins – Dorset’s beloved ska band, back by popular demand following last year’s standout performance.
• Sherborne Rock Choir – A feel-good performance from the town’s own musical collective.
• Nelle – Local musical theatre talent leading an all-ages Disney singalong.
• Mirror Unicorns – Dazzling, life-sized mirrored unicorn performers bringing sparkle and magic to the parade and park.
• Local Drag Artists – Shorti, Rayyven, Hazel Hallow, and Sasha Silk bring their own brand of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent.
Get Involved – Join the Parade, Volunteer, or Trade

Sherborne Pride thrives on community participation. To join the parade, registration is essential – email [email protected].
To volunteer or apply as a market trader, contact the team at [email protected].
Stay Updated. Daily line-up announcements and updates can be found on our official social media channels – follow us on Instagram and Facebook @sherbornepride. For media enquiries, press accreditation or interview requests, please contact: [email protected]

The BBC covered this story
(07/05/2025)
See - BBC News Britpop band & drag artists to perform at Pride -
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crrzrn94gnjo
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Slide show of pics from Sherborne's first Pride 2024 below.
Wow! What an amazing Pride, and so well supported despite some heavy rain!


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Dorset Pride weekend – Bournemouth & Sherborne
Part two Sherborne (posted first on our WGG news page 11/07/2024)

Sherborne Pride  -  7th July 2024.  Thunderstorms and rainbows!
 
Early Sunday morning three of us left Weymouth’s sunshine behind as we ventured inland heading for Sherborne as the skies darkened!

It was Sherborne’s first ever Pride event in this North Dorset town, and very much community led and supported. Free for both visitors, and for our WGG info stall.

We had been in touch with the organisers many months in advance, offering support and ideas which were warmly received. Their media coverage in advance was great – especially the BBC Radio interview with Sadie (key organiser).

Their website, very colourful and updated as their Pride day approached, looked very sleek and informative. We loved “The Guide'' – an online Pride magazine giving plenty of information with clear maps for the day, local businesses adverts (brilliant local support from the business community), and an outstanding section “Your neuroqueer pride”. Lovely to see our WGG group acknowledged on the thank you page.

The Rainbow Flag flying so magnificently on Sherborne Abbey was so beautiful to see as it welcomed us into the centre of the town, with the main street lined with a variety of both commercial and community stalls. Soon after setting up our stall the heavens opened! Hail and thunder! Our stall, in Digby Road with Tonys gazebo just about surviving as the road became a torrent of water.

Meanwhile in the nearby Pageant gardens the stage came alive with a number of local musical artists and groups. The parade though Sherborne was amazing - !  In two particular ways, it’s almost never-ending length of LGBT+ groups, and the HUGE numbers of the public who followed, in the HEAVY RAIN! It felt like that the whole town had turned out to welcome Pride! Despite the Thunderstorms, the Rainbows came out, as thousands gathered to celebrate Equality & Diversity. 

For the first Pride in a small northern Dorset town, Sherborne Pride was really impressive. The HUGE success was down to the team that Sadie and her partner had established whom we would really like to thank.

“Love lives here” – was their slogan, we, along with so many others, felt the vibes! Thank you.


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Thanks to WGG guys, Tony, Phil & Antony for running the stall (pic right above) in storm conditions!

Dorset Pride weekend – Bournemouth & Sherborne
Part one Bournemouth Pride (posted first on our WGG news page 11/07/2024)

Bournemouth Pride  -  6th July.  Has the community vibe gone? 
You can read part one - Bournemouth Pride on our Bournemouth Pride page here: -

https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/bournemouth-pride-bournefree.html

Wow! What an amazing Pride, and so well supported despite some heavy rain!
It was a HUGE success!  Check out this wonderful BBC report of the day:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3gev130vwzo

Pride Parade - You can see a video of the Parade here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNXs3qz7cM0
Just look at the HUGE number of people who turned out - in the RAIN to support this new Dorset Pride. AMAZING!

Janice Robinson plans move to Sherborne after Pride event

Dorset Echo 10/07/2024 see  https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24436786.janice-robinson-plans-move-sherborne-pride-event/

An interesting story about how Sherborne Prides headline act would like to move there!  

"A nineties dance singer has shared the exciting news that she is looking to relocate to Sherborne following her performance at a pride event."

"Janice Robinson, best known for her platinum-selling number 1 global dance hit Dreamer, headlined the first ever Sherborne Pride."
“Sherborne Pride, it was truly an honour to be here and create a memory for everyone who is living their life authentically and proud. The LGBTQ+ community has been my biggest supporters throughout my entire career and I will forever be an ally.”

Pride magazine - out now!  A beautiful Pride magazine produced by Sherborne Pride is available online
Your Guide to Sherborne Pride :- https://sherbornepride.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SHERBORNE-PRIDE-A5_Guide_FINAL.pdf

Pride on the radio!
Hear a beautiful interview with Sadie from Sherborne Pride on BBC Local radio here:-
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0hzjtcm at 7.40 in.


On The Kathy Caton BBC LGBT+ local radio show. Info -  Info https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0hzjtcm

On their FAB website they said:-
"
This year something fabulous is happening in Sherborne for the very first time – the town is getting its very own Pride. We’re celebrating our diverse Dorset community in full colour, with a message of love, acceptance, and inclusivity. An all day festival with a Pride Parade, Party in the Park, and Street Market. Pride runs deeper than waving a rainbow flag. It’s about being free to express yourself safely and authentically whilst feeling accepted. It’s a celebration of community coming together in love, against hate – a message that resonates with everyone."
"Pride events, big and small, all consist of a colourful parade, a programme of entertainment, and a coming together of community – in solidarity and joy. At Sherborne Pride,we’re planning a vibrant parade through town, a fabulous street market on Digby Road, and a jam-packed programme of live entertainment in Pageant Gardens – from music and comedy to cabaret performers, musical theatre, and more. It’s an all-day event and everyone is welcome."

More see - https://sherbornepride.org/
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Sherborne Pride - Janice Robinson headliner

(posted first on our WGG Dorset LGBT+ Community News page 13/04/2024)

Sherbourne Pride have just announced their headliner

The BBC reported:-

Janice Robinson, best known for her hit song I'm A Dreamer, will be kicking off Sherborne Pride in Dorset on Sunday 7 July. The former lead singer of Livin' Joy will be joined by British ska band, The Beat. Organisers of the event said they hoped it would be a "celebration like no other" and a "vibrant, inclusive event to bring the community together".

More see - BBC Dorset here:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-68795994
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Sherborne Pride (on Facebook) 01/04/2024 said ...

Sherborne Pride is in Sherborne.
tSdpnsoorecli5u166aiuu7clcuultf08um1i48ht58f4a5m65463lugch02  ·
Raising a Rainbow It’s crazy what love can do… we’re bringing Pride to Sherborne, but we need your help! If only love alone could fund our day, but some pennies are required to make it happen. We have a sponsorship programme for businesses, but know that individuals would like to donate and support in their own way, no matter how big or small. We’re passionate about Pride being a FREE event, and that’s exactly what it is! If you can spare any cash, even the price of a cup of coffee, we’d be really grateful. Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/sherbornepride

What will it go towards?
On July 7th, we kick things off with a fabulous parade through town, there are pop up performances across town throughout the day, we have Pageant Gardens booked out for the whole day with a live entertainment programme, like no other. With a RuPaul Drag Queen, variety performances, musical theatre, opera, rock choir, bands, and a headline music act that we can’t wait to announce to you. We know times are tough, but if you can help us make history in Sherborne we promise it’ll make a difference to our community! Thanks
Fancy sponsoring? Pop us a DM and we’d love to chat


LOVE LIVES HERE  @sherbornepride is proud to unveil the 2024 campaign theme as being ‘LOVE LIVES HERE’. A campaign statement that shares an important message to locals and the wider community of acceptance, togetherness, and love.

This article may be of interest - vineyardsofsherborne.co.uk/happy-pride/

Sherborne Pride - NEW for 2024! (posted on our Dorset LGBT Community News page 13/02/2024)

We are delighted to report that Sherborne is to have a Pride event during the summer of 2024. This will bring the total number of Pride events in Dorset to a record number of SEVEN ! (perhaps more with Pub Pride)

More details when available, and at - https://sherbornepride.org/


Sherborne Pride - on BBC Radio Solent -
Sadie from Sherborne Pride was interviewed by Steve Harris for the BBC’s Dorset Breakfast show on Monday 19th February.  She explained how their Pride came about, and highlighted some of the many exciting events on the day, and leading up to it. Including The Parade through the town, a cinema week, Literary society events, Arts, Comedy, pop up street performances, LGBT stalls in Pageant Gardens and lots more!


If you missed the broadcast, you can catch up on BBC Sounds here - at 35.50 in.  https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0h7xqbl  
available for 29 days
(from 19/02/2024).

More on the Dorset BBC News page here -
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-68336746
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If you like Dorset LGBT Community events .....
You might like to check out our Dorset LGBT+ community monthly events diary page  - often with over 40 Dorset events listed every month for you to enjoy. Over 100 during June & July 2024!
See -
https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html
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Please make sure you check out all our other pages, lots of Dorset lgbt events, Dorset lgbt news, helplines and Prides in Dorset info!
This page was last updated 28/06/2026             
© Weymouth Gay Group 2026             email :-  [email protected]
Looking for a helpline or support?
Check out our Helplines page we have lots of helpful links, both local and national for you or someone you may know.
See -
https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/helplinessupport-groups.html
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