Colchester Pride 2026: dates, parade, tickets

Colchester Pride 2026 takes place on Saturday, 15 August at the town’s premier arts venue, Firstsite. The celebration includes a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, featuring the Main Stage with local and national performers, alongside a lively Market area offering food, drinks, information stalls and local vendors.

Pride March

The Colchester Pride March begins at Mercury Theatre, with gathering from 10:15am and the march stepping off at 10:40am. Participants are organised into four sections: community champions leading the way, a trans celebration with performers and community members in pink, blue and white, local LGBTQ organisations, and a section for all other attendees.

Volunteer marchers can help carry the large Pride flag provided by the organisers. Everyone is encouraged to dress colourfully, bring banners, and wave LGBTQ flags to make this the biggest Pride march Colchester has ever seen.

Travel and Parking

Parking at Firstsite is very limited and primarily for drop-offs. The nearest public car park is Priory Street (CO1 2QA), about a four-minute walk south along Queen Street. For train travellers, Colchester Town Station is similarly about a four-minute walk along Queen Street to the venue.