Award-Winning Rossendale Pride Festival Returns This July

The Whitaker and Spectrum Inclusion are proud to announce the return of the award-winning Rossendale Pride Festival on Saturday, 18th July. Running from 11am to 3pm, this highly anticipated community celebration is FREE to attend and promises a vibrant day of live music, family-friendly entertainment, and essential community connections.

Building on its reputation as an award-winning small event, this year’s festival brings together an incredible array of local talent, interactive entertainment, and a vital network of health and wellbeing support groups.

Jack Riggs, Director at Spectrum Inclusion, said: "We are thrilled to be partnering with The Whitaker again to bring Rossendale its third Pride. Now more than ever, Pride is important to show people they are not alone and to give a safe space and community for people to be themselves, which they may not have otherwise."

An Award-Winning Support Network

An exceptional Pride celebration thrives on a strong community foundation. This year, continuing our collaboration with Spectrum Inclusion, the festival is thrilled to host a brilliant lineup of advice, health, and support organisations. Attendees are encouraged to stop by the community stalls to grab resources, seek advice, or simply have a friendly chat.

Participating support groups include:

Lancashire LGBT

The Other World

NHS Talking Therapies (Lancashire & South Cumbria)

Proud Rovers

Renaissance UK

Chrysalis

Loving Me 

Be/Here MCR 

From mental health and identity support to inclusive sports and safety services, these stalls ensure that festival-goers have access to a robust, welcoming safety net.

Gaynor Seville, Creative Director from The Whitaker, added: "We are extremely proud to be hosting Rossendale's third Pride festival this year, with Spectrum Inclusion, and delighted that we can refer to it as an award-winning event after winning the Best Small Event in Lancashire for our 2025 Pride at the Lancashire Tourism awards! The Whitaker is a place for all, and we actively celebrate our LGBTQIA community and will always be a supportive and safe place for everyone. Seeing so many people turn up last year, all ages and demographics, coming together to dance, sing and celebrate was both moving and joyous. I look forward to seeing many more this year, flying those rainbow Pride flags high."

Main Stage Performers

The Main Stage will feature a diverse and dynamic lineup of performers celebrating queer joy, creativity, and local youth culture:

Diana Do Good: The hilariously sharp comedy drag artist.

Rossendale Youth Zone: Showcasing incredible local young talent.

BIN Collective: A Lancashire-based DIY artist collective bringing a high-energy Puppet Rave.

Candi Martin (Writing for Wellness Rossendale): Promoting mental well-being through the power of words.

Romina Ramos: Renowned local artist and writer.

Family Entertainment & Activities

Beyond the main stage, the festival grounds will be packed with interactive entertainment, delicious local food and drink, and creative sanctuaries for all ages:

Aida H Dee The Storytime Drag Queen: The award-winning children’s author, cabaret artist, and founder of Drag Queen Story Hour UK.

Jez Dolan: Artist engagement exploring safe spaces, identity and belonging.

Ink and Soul: A travelling library, storytelling stage, and creative sanctuary.

Sarah Kershaw Circus: Circus skills to keep the whole family entertained.

Face Painting: Adding a splash of colour to the day's celebrations.

Family crafts: Try your hand at our craft and expression stations, making your own badges, decorating your own fans, or creating a magical wand.

Refreshments: Manr and GroundUp are providing delicious food and drink to keep you fuelled all day.

Event Summary:

Event: Rossendale Pride Festival

Date: Saturday, 18th July

Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: The Whitaker, Rossendale

Admission: FREE

Everyone is welcome to join this inclusive, vibrant celebration of love, diversity, and community spirit.

Visit The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery socials for more information.