On 20 June, Kelham Pride will return to Sheffield with more stalls, stages, and acts than ever before.
The free, one-day event is organised by Kelham Island and Neepsend Community Alliance (KINCA) in collaboration with Love Kelham CIC, and has partnered with nine different venues across the area to host performances and offer community spaces.
Matt Holmes, involved with Pride organisation, said: “I think Pride is very ‘Kelham’, and the reason it’s a success is because of the people, the businesses, and the support locally.”
Venues involved include Yellow Arch Studios, Factory Floor, Alder, Riverside, and more.
Visitors can sign up via their website to walk in the parade, which will be followed by a day of festivities, food and drink, and interactive local performers, all to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
From 9pm, afterparties will begin in their partner venues, where there may be ‘slightly more bawdy acts’ (according to Ben McGarry, Chair of KINCA), scheduled later so as to avoid clashing with family-friendly daytime activities.
Mr McGarry said: “Whether you’re gay, straight, transgender, or a refugee or asylum seeker.
“If you’re a family with kids, or you’re scared of going alone, we want to show that this neighbourhood is a very safe, welcoming area.”
Kelham Pride is organised entirely by volunteers, and brought an estimated £0.5 million boost to Sheffield’s local economy in 2025.
Last year, the event saw 11,500 attendees, 42 stall holders, and 27 acts.
This year is projected to be even bigger.
Mr Holmes said: “At the end of the day, Kelham Pride is a one-day event.
“But there’s another 364 days of the year where you need to carry on that same level of belonging, community, and feeling of safe haven.”
The festival asks that attendees follow a set of values, in an effort to keep the space welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
These values include a zero tolerance policy for prejudice or harassment in any form, as well as the active inclusion of all gender identities.
On the lighter side of Kelham’s community spirit, local brewers will be creating a Pride beer, which attendees can compete to name.
Mr Holmes said: “Bring your flags, bring your whistles, bring your friends – just get involved, get dressed up, and show your colours!”