In a move that has sent ripples through Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ community, the much-anticipated Pride in Liverpool and the accompanying March with Pride scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025, have been officially cancelled. Organisers, the LCR Pride Foundation, announced this decision on June 5, 2025, citing significant financial and organisational challenges that made the event impossible to hold this year.
The cancellation comes as a shock to many, especially after last year’s record-breaking turnout, which saw approximately 60,000 people celebrate the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Pride in Liverpool has long been a cornerstone event, not only as a symbol of solidarity and celebration but also as a major contributor to the local economy, drawing tens of thousands to the city’s bars, restaurants, and hotels.
According to the LCR Pride Foundation’s board of directors, the charity has faced a perfect storm of difficulties in recent months. Rising costs — with supplier expenses increasing by 20% to 30% — combined with the struggle to secure both national and local funding, have placed enormous strain on the organisation. This financial pressure forced the Foundation to revert to an almost entirely volunteer-led operation, which, while admirable, came with its own set of challenges, particularly regarding planning and delivery within tight timescales.
Adding to the complexity was the recent decision to sever ties with Barclays, a long-term sponsor. This move, taken after listening to community feedback, was deemed necessary to align with the organisation’s values but resulted in further delays in event planning. The Foundation expressed confidence in the decision but acknowledged it had a substantial impact during an already difficult period.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of this year’s Pride in Liverpool and March with Pride," the board stated. "In recent months the charity has faced significant financial and organisational challenges, which have impacted timescales and resulted in it reverting to an almost entirely volunteer-led operation. This, combined with rising costs and difficulty securing national and local funding, has made it impossible to bring Pride in Liverpool to the city this year."
Despite the setbacks, a small, dedicated team worked tirelessly with key partners and city-based sponsors right up until the end of May in a last-ditch effort to keep the event alive. Unfortunately, these efforts proved insufficient to overcome the hurdles.
The organisers voiced their devastation at not being able to hold the march, especially at a time when unity, protest, and celebration are more vital than ever. "We are devastated that we will not be able to march together this year, at a time when coming together to stand in solidarity, protest and celebration is needed more than ever, and we understand how difficult this will be for our community," the Foundation said.
Looking forward, the Foundation is optimistic about the future. They strongly believe that this difficult decision is necessary to ensure the organisation’s survival and to enable the return of Pride in Liverpool and the March with Pride in 2026. Talks are already underway with Liverpool City Council and a number of city-based sponsors to plan a stronger, more sustainable event next year.
"We believe that our beautiful, resilient city region deserves a consistent, safe and community-led pride celebration each and every year," the board added. "Our priority now is to ensure that we have a sustainable foundation to secure that, through working with our community, and with partners, funders and sponsors that align with our values."
In the meantime, the Foundation plans to promote other events and activities taking place over Pride weekend in 2025 and will support regional Pride celebrations happening across the Liverpool City Region boroughs. Additionally, they are actively exploring alternative ways to bring the community together later in the year and are recruiting new trustees to bolster their organisational mission of making Liverpool the most LGBTQ+ friendly city region in the UK.
Local government officials have expressed their disappointment but remain supportive of the Foundation’s decision. Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, described the cancellation as "hugely disappointing," especially given last year’s success and the event’s importance to the LGBTQ+ community.
"Its absence this year will be keenly felt, particularly given the ever-growing need to support our community and promote unity," Doyle said. "I know it’s a decision LCR Pride Foundation has tried valiantly to avoid. However, given the difficult circumstances they find themselves in it’s also understandable and from a long-term point of view, it’s the right decision for them."
He added that the Council has been in discussions with the Foundation over recent weeks and will continue to assist to ensure the community can once again march with pride in 2026.
The cancellation comes amid a broader context of challenges facing large-scale community events, including rising operational costs and the need to secure sustainable funding sources. The Foundation’s decision to prioritize long-term viability over short-term celebration underscores the delicate balance organisers must strike in maintaining these vital cultural gatherings.
For now, the city’s LGBTQ+ community will have to wait another year to come together in the large-scale, vibrant Pride celebrations that have become a hallmark of Liverpool’s cultural calendar. Yet, with early planning for 2026 already underway and a commitment to fostering community connections through other events, there is hope that Pride in Liverpool will return stronger and more resilient than ever.
