Kendal Pride to Bring Colour, Community and Celebration to Town
Kendal Pride is set to return in June with a full weekend of events. Celebrating LGBTQIA+ people, community and belonging.
The annual Pride event will take place from Friday, June 12, to Sunday, June 14, 2026.
This year’s theme is “this is home”. With organisers focusing on visibility, inclusion and the idea that LGBTQIA+ people should feel safe, welcome and supported in Kendal and across the South Lakes.
The festival is billed as “pride done differently”. And will include a procession, Pride Village, live entertainment, creative activities, community involvement and an evening Pride party.
What You Need to Know
Kendal Pride 2026 will include both free events and ticketed events.
The main daytime Pride Village at Abbot Hall on Saturday, June 13, is expected to be free to attend. It will include entertainment, stalls, family activities, food vendors. Along with a Pride bar and free activities such as crafts, a climbing wall and the Proud Pooches Dog Show.
The Big Pride Party on Saturday evening is a ticketed event. Tickets are priced at £20, with reduced-price tickets available for people in low-paid work, unemployed people or anyone who may find the cost difficult.
Key timings include:
- Friday, June 12: opening events and activities
- Saturday, June 13, 11.45am to 12.30pm: first-ever Kendal Pride procession
- Saturday, June 13, 12pm to 6pm: Pride Village and Stage at Abbot Hall
- Saturday, June 13, 7pm to 3am: The Big Pride Party at Bowness Bay Brewery
- Sunday, June 14: relaxed Pride Village events, live music, wellbeing activities and community sessions
Visitors are advised to check the official Kendal Pride programme before travelling. As timings and individual event details may change.
Procession Route and Road Information
Kendal Pride’s first-ever procession will take place on Saturday, June 13.
It is due to start at The Birdcage in Kendal town centre at 11.45am. The procession will then make its way down Finkle Street, turn onto Kent Street. Cross at the pedestrian crossing and continue along the riverbank to the Pride Village at Abbot Hall.
It is expected to arrive at Abbot Hall at around 12.30pm.
No full road closure details have been confirmed in the available event information. However, people travelling through Kendal town centre on the day should allow extra time. Especially around The Birdcage, Finkle Street, Kent Street and the route towards Abbot Hall.
Drivers may also find the town centre busier than usual. Because of the procession, Pride Village and weekend visitors.
How to Get There
The main daytime event will be at Abbot Hall, close to Kendal town centre.
People travelling by public transport can use Kendal railway station or local bus services, then walk into the town centre and towards Abbot Hall.
Those travelling by car should plan parking in advance. Kendal can become busy during events and weekends. So visitors may want to use town centre car parks and walk to Abbot Hall.
Visitors attending the evening Big Pride Party should note that it takes place at Bowness Bay Brewery, Unit 10, Castle Mills, Aynam Road, Kendal.
Anyone drinking alcohol at the event should plan a safe journey home before arriving.
First-Ever Kendal Pride Procession
One of the biggest changes for 2026 is the introduction of Kendal Pride’s first procession.
The procession will take place on Saturday, June 13, from 11.45am to 12.30pm.
It will begin with a special performance linked to the festival theme, “this is home”.
The procession is expected to bring extra colour and visibility to the town centre. It will also give residents, visitors, families, allies and community groups a chance to take part in a public celebration of Pride.
For many people, processions are an important part of Pride events. They show support, raise awareness and create a shared moment where people can feel seen and included.
Pride Village at Abbot Hall
The main Pride Village and stage will be based at Abbot Hall on Saturday, June 13.
It will run from 12pm to 6pm.
The Pride Village will include entertainment, stalls, family activities, food, drink and space for people to meet and enjoy the day.
Free activities will include a climbing wall, family crafts with Ragtag Arts, crafts with Queer By Gum, the Proud Pooches Dog Show and more.
The main stage entertainment is due to begin at 12.30pm, with the procession arriving shortly before the welcome from Kendal Pride’s chair.
Stage acts include Drum Nation, Viola from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Kendal College performers, Sign Out Loud, Georgia Diamond, Andi Blewitt, Adam All, Aura Gasm and The Weirdstrings Ceilidh.
Big Pride Party Planned
Kendal Pride will also host The Big Pride Party on Saturday, June 13.
The evening event will take place at Bowness Bay Brewery, with doors opening at 7pm and entertainment from 8.15pm.
The party will include drag performers, queer classics and a lively night of entertainment across The Venue, courtyard and Barrel House.
The line-up includes Adam All, Aura Gasm and Eric Scurato.
Tickets are on sale for £20. Kendal Pride says reduced-price tickets can be made available for people who are unemployed, in low-paid work or struggling to afford a ticket.
Sunday Events and Community Activities
The weekend will continue on Sunday, June 14.
Sunday’s programme is expected to have a more relaxed feel, with activities including yoga, strength and kettlebells, outdoor sessions, talks, tabletop games, live music and Serving Sunday at the Pride Village.
Serving Sunday at Abbot Hall will run from 1pm to 6pm and will include live music, free food and celebration.
There will also be Kendal Pride’s first Feast, with a free pie and shared meal.
A Boost for the Town
The weekend is expected to bring extra footfall into Kendal.
Visitors attending Pride may support local shops, cafés, bars, restaurants and accommodation providers.
Kendal already has a strong calendar of festivals and community events, and Pride is now part of that wider identity.
Events like this can help make the town feel active, welcoming and creative.
Organisers Encourage People to Get Involved
Organisers are encouraging people to support the event by volunteering, joining creative sessions, taking part in the choir or attending the weekend programme.
Volunteers are expected to receive a Kendal Pride T-shirt and a free ticket to The Big Pride Party.
For residents, businesses and visitors, the message is simple: Kendal Pride is a chance to celebrate community, inclusion and belonging.
With a town-centre procession, Pride Village, live entertainment, creative activity and a major evening party, the 2026 event is set to bring a colourful and welcoming weekend to Kendal.
