“Let me be absolutely clear: UK Black Pride is not going anywhere”
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY ROXANNE ANDERSON
UK Black Pride (UKBP) has announced that its annual Pride event this year will be paused, allowing the organisation to prepare for an even bigger return in 2027.
Celebrating 21 years of game-changing work, UKBP has made this decision after a “period of reflection, renewal and long-term planning”. This pause and strategic reset aims to ensure “sustainability, strategic development and long-term impact over short-term delivery” for UKBP.
Speaking on this announcement, CEO Dr Lady Phyll said: “Reaching 21 years is both a celebration and a responsibility. We are incredibly proud of what we as UK Black Pride have built and continue to build together, not just as an event, but as a movement, a home and a space our communities rely on. Taking this strategic pause allows us to reflect, reset and build the strongest possible future for UK Black Pride.”
She added: “Let me be absolutely clear: UK Black Pride is not going anywhere. This is not a step back. This is how we ensure we come back stronger, bigger and even more impactful in 2027.”
Since its inception in 2005, UKBP has grown into the world’s largest Pride celebration for LGBTQIA+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American and Middle Eastern descent. It is one of the only free Pride events that centre Black and people of colour LGBTQIA+ communities. Last year’s 20th anniversary saw a record-breaking 25,000 guests throughout the day.
While the annual large-scale Pride event will not be taking place this year, UKBP will continue to support community-led events, cultural activations and key partners. In 2026, this already includes events with UAL, Bleecker and DIVA. This year will also include the return of their Black-Oktoberfest celebration.
You can find out more at ukblackpride.org.uk
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