This year’s protest and celebration is taking place in London’s Queen Elizabeth Park
AC CALLAHAN, IMAGE BY TIM SAMUEL VIA PEXELS
DIVAs assemble! UK Black Pride (UKBP) is coming to London this Sunday (14 August). It’s Europe’s largest LGBTQI celebration for people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American and Middle Eastern-descent. UKBP returns in-person this weekend for the first time since 2019 due to the pandemic, with the 2022 event marking 18 years of UKBP. This year’s event is set to be the biggest yet, as it steps up to an iconic new venue at Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Park.
UKBP was founded in 2005 by Dr Lady Phyll and aims to highlight racial inequality within the LGBTQI community, focusing on breaking down systemic inequalities and injustices. It’s an opportunity for the UK’s QTIBPOC (Queer, trans, intersex, Black, people of colour) community and their allies to celebrate and protest, as UKBP commits to “stand with those at the margins”.
Headlining this year’s event is musician and TikTok star Dréya Mac, with music and speeches taking place throughout the day. Each year, the UKBP team chooses a theme that they feel speaks to the emotions and energies of the LGBTQI Black people and people of colour in the UK; this year’s theme is “Power”.
Speaking about the theme of Power in a blog post, founder Dr Lady Phyll said, “we are grateful to those who express power rooted in a firm belief that equality is not a pipe dream or a nice-to-have, and those who harness their power to positively impact the lives of those who have been left behind and forgotten. We honour the power our communities continue to wield to ensure that our communities are defended and supported, loved and protected”.
Lady Phyll also paid tribute to “the loving power of the Black queer women who founded and maintain us”.
As we gear up for one of the most important events of the year, we’ve put together a handy guide of all the things you need to know before attending Sunday’s UKBP.
When and where is the event?
UK Black Pride is taking place on Sunday 14 August at London’s Queen Elizabeth Park, Stratford, E15 2HB.
What time is it?
The event runs from 12 pm-9 pm, and it’s totally free to attend—you don’t need a ticket, although it is advised to get there early.
How do I get there?
UK Black Pride advises using public transport to travel to the event. The closest station is Hackney Wick overground (recommended), but it’s also accessible from Stratford (Central line and the DLR).
Can children attend?
Yes, children are welcome at UK Black Pride. Please note under 16s must be accompanied by an appropriate adult (over the age of 18).
Who can I expect to see?
Headlining this year’s event is Dréya Mac. You can see the full event line-up here.
What am I permitted to bring, and will there be security at the event?
There will be LGBTQI friendly security at the event, so there may be queues to enter. Avoid bringing glass bottles, alcohol and aerosols. To see the full list of prohibited items, see the FAQs on @ukblackpride‘s Instagram.
Is there an after-party?
Yes, the fun doesn’t stop there! Official UKBP partners Fabric are hosting the after-party from 10 pm, and you can get your tickets here.
Is the event accessible?
UK Black Pride has an accessible viewing platform, as well as parking for Blue Badge Holders. For more information, you can contact UK Black Pride’s Accessibility Officer: jai@ukblackpride.org.uk
Will there be photos and videos of the day?
Photography and videography will be taking place throughout the day by official UKBP staff. If you don’t want your photo/video taken you can collect a red wristband on entry.
We wish you a wonderful UK Black Pride, DIVAs!
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