Warwickshire Pride Festival 2025 commenced with a spirited Pride march in Leamington Spa this morning (16 August). 

Individuals gathered in colourful, pride-themed outfits and headed down to the Pump Room Gardens, where the remainder of the festivities will be held.

The march attracted individuals from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, starting at 11 am on Beauchamp Road.

Marchers proceeded to Clarendon Avenue and continued down the Parade.

Joining them was a fire truck and an ambulance, both sounding their support with beeps and horns as they followed the procession. 

The march attracted individuals from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, starting at 11 am on Beauchamp Road (image via Nub News)

Joining attendees was a fire truck and an ambulance, both sounding their support with beeps and horns as they followed the procession (image via Nub News)

The fire truck featured the slogan "Fire doesn't discriminate, neither do we" written on its side.

advertisement

The festival, which is free to attend, will run until 6pm today in Leamington, offering approximately 120 stalls, a diverse selection of food and drink vendors, live performances, and even a dog show.

Speaking to Nub News, the charity's founder and Chair, Daniel Browne, said: "We've got lots going on this year. I think it's a really good event, first and foremost, being a protest and highlighting why we have Pride. 

"Warwickshire Pride is definitely rooted in the origins of the Pride movement. 

"Yes, it is a celebration, come and enjoy yourself,but let's also remember why we're here and why we're doing this."

The festival, which is free to attend, will run until 6pm today in Leamington, offering approximately 120 stall (image via Nub News)

Ahead of today's event, Warwickshire Pride was forced to issue its annual statement of defiance as its festival site was vandalised once again (image via Nub News)

Browne emphasised that the festival serves as an essential means of bringing people together, while also acknowledging the challenges of homophobia and hate that the event sometimes attracts.

Ahead of today's event, Warwickshire Pride was forced to issue its annual statement of defiance as its festival site was vandalised once again. 

advertisement

The charity had to conduct repairs due to damages inflicted by vandals who have consistently targeted the decorations and tents ahead of Warwickshire Pride in past years. 

In a statement released this morning, Chair Browne revealed that 2025 was no different, noting that the vandalism especially impacted the trans tent.

In a statement released this morning, Chair Browne revealed that 2025 was no different, noting that the vandalism especially impacted the trans tent (image via Nub News)

A diverse selection of food and drink vendors, live performances, and even a dog show (image via Nub News)

"Unfortunately, a gang has attacked the festival site and flags were torn down as per usual, they got into some of the tents," he said.

"The trans tent in particular is pretty trashed.

"This is my annual f*** you to the people who come and attack pride and what we are trying to do - absolute a********."

Individuals gathered in colourful, pride-themed outfits and headed down to the Pump Room Gardens, where the remainder of the festivities will be held (image via Nub News)

advertisement

For more information or to get involved through fundraising, volunteering, or spreading awareness, visit the official website (image via Nub News)

However, these incidents did not deter attendees and supporters from coming together to celebrate.

Beyond the annual Pride festival, Warwickshire Pride hosts events throughout the year. 

For more information or to get involved through fundraising, volunteering, or spreading awareness, visit the official website.

Beyond the annual Pride festival, Warwickshire Pride hosts events throughout the year (image via Nub News)