CUMBRIA LGBT PRIDE - Registered Charity no 1167160
Cumbria Pride proudly supports the LGBT+ community across Cumbria. Our mission is to increase LGBT+ visibility, raise awareness, and foster a better understanding within our community.
Founded in 2009, Cumbria Pride was created to bring ‘Pride’ to Cumbria. The aim was to show that Pride is not just something for big cities but also for rural areas and the small towns too. Our first event took place at the University of Cumbria campus in Carlisle, welcoming around 50 invited guests. Since then, we've grown into the vibrant organisation we are today.
We host an annual Pride event to ensure that the LGBT+ community of Cumbria, along with our allies and supporters, are recognised, celebrated, and uplifted. In 2019, we marked our 10th anniversary with an incredible event at Carlisle Castle. Despite the challenges of 2020, when a physical event wasn't possible due to Covid-19, we kept the spirit alive with a year long virtual project instead. Most recently, we proudly celebrated our 15th year at Caldew Riverside Car Park, a move made necessary by outgrowing the Castle Grounds — a true testament to how far we've come!
Our team of volunteers work all year round, with the support of our local businesses and organisations (especially our SPONSORS), to organise a range of activities, social events, information days, support sessions, training, and, of course, our main Pride event!
Keeping Pride free for everyone has always been at the heart of what we do. We believe inclusivity shouldn't come with a price tag — everyone deserves the chance to celebrate love, diversity, and unity, and the positive messages of inclusion should reach as many people as possible. Whilst society has come a long way from the Stonewall riots which is how ‘Pride’ originally all began, still today some members of the LGBT+ community suffer discrimination, exclusion and many are afraid just to be who they are. Pride remains as vital as ever.
Though often seen as just a celebration, Pride is more than a party! It's a powerful platform offering support to LGBT+ youth, adults, seniors, their families, friends, and allies — all within a safe and welcoming space where everyone can be their authentic selves.
By contributing to the internationally recognised Pride movement, Cumbria Pride stands firmly against discrimination. We are committed to delivering inclusive events and activities that promote community cohesion and celebrate diversity.
Our Pride events stand for inclusivity, visibility, having fun, and celebrating love and equality rather than fighting for it!