JOIN THE PARADE
THE 2026 PARADE PARTICIPANT GUIDE
Saturday, July 4th, 2026 marks another historic year as we take to the streets of the capital to march, protest, and celebrate. Whether you are part of a grassroots community group, a first-time marcher, or a member of a Pride in the City corporate network, your presence is what makes the Pride in London Parade the most vibrant display of LGBTQIA+ unity in the UK.
Marching in the parade is more than just a walk through Central London - it’s a logistical feat involving 30,000 participants and hundreds of floats. This guide covers everything you need to know to ensure your group is prepared, from strict wristband policies and float safety requirements to essential deadlines.
Key highlights for this year:
The Route: Starting at Hyde Park Corner at 12:00 PM, winding through Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square, and finishing at Whitehall.
Wristbands: Every marcher must wear a valid wristband. These are the "keys to the parade" and must be collected and distributed by your group leader in advance.
Safety First: New guidance on float materials, prohibited items (no glass or smoke bombs), and intoxication policies to keep our community safe.
Individual Marchers: If you aren't part of a group, individual and flag-bearer applications open in mid-May.
Read on for the full breakdown of rules, timings, and technical requirements to make your march a success.
PARADE APPLICATION GUIDANCE
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your interest in taking part in the Pride in London Parade 2026.
This guidance sets out all requirements, procedures, and conditions relating to applications for participation. It is designed to ensure that all participants contribute to a safe, inclusive, and respectful celebration in line with Pride in London’s values and legal obligations.
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Primary Contact Details
Provide the name and email address of your group’s primary contact. This individual will act as the principal liaison with Pride in London and must have the authority to represent your organisation. Their details will not be shared publicly and will only be accessible to the parade team.
You will create a password to access your online dashboard. Only the registered primary contact email can be used to log in, and each email allows only one login. If you forget your password or encounter access issues, contact [email protected].
Secondary Contact Details
A secondary contact is required to ensure that your group receives urgent operational updates. This person will receive the same communications as the primary contact but will not have dashboard access. Both contacts’ details remain private and are used exclusively for Parade management purposes.
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Your group name will be publicly displayed on the Pride in London’s website and other materials, such as placards or lollipops.
The name should be clear, inclusive and free of abbreviations unless widely recognized (e.g., use “European Pride Managers Union” rather than “EPMU”).
Each group name must be unique.
Organisations representing multiple brands or collaborations must submit separate applications for each distinct brand identity. For example, a retail group owning multiple brands must apply individually for each brand if each will display separate branding during the parade.
Pride in London reserves the absolute right to amend or reject names deemed inappropriate, unclear, or inconsistent with our values.
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Provide a short description (maximum 200 characters) of your organisation, its purpose, and its contribution to the LGBTQ+ community. This text will be used publicly on the Pride in London website and other communications. Include specific examples of how your group supports, represents, or advocates for the LGBTQ+ community.
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You may provide links to your website and social media channels (X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.) for inclusion on the “Who’s in the Parade” webpage. All online content must align with Pride in London’s Inclusivity Pledge and general standards of public decency and respect. Pride in London reserves the right to remove or reject links containing offensive, discriminatory, or non-inclusive material.
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Upload your group’s logo or representative photo. These images may be used in Pride in London’s marketing materials, subject to brand approval. By submitting, you grant Pride in London a non-exclusive licence to use your imagery for promotional and archival purposes.
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1. LGBTQ+ Community Group
Grassroots organisations primarily serving the LGBTQ+ community.
Includes youth groups, local support networks, and small charities with strong community ties.
Examples: LGBTQ+ youth groups, volunteer-led collectives, small LGBTQ+ charities.
2. LGBTQ+ Business
For-profit enterprises majority-owned or operated by LGBTQ+ individuals.
Serve or cater significantly to the LGBTQ+ community.
Examples: LGBTQ+ bookshops, queer-owned restaurants, LGBTQ+ venues.
3.Non-Profit, Union, Public Sector & Education
Formal institutions such as charities, trade unions, public bodies, and educational institutions.
Includes organisations with LGBTQ+ initiatives or networks as part of broader missions.
Examples: NHS trusts, universities, teaching unions, housing associations.
4. Company Entry
For-profit businesses not primarily focused on LGBTQ+ communities but with LGBTQ+ employee networks or initiatives. You will need to be approved as a member of Pride in the City before you can apply to be in the parade.
Examples: banks, retail chains, tech companies.
5. Sponsoring Partner
Organisations providing significant financial support to Pride in London through formal sponsorship agreements.
Examples: corporate sponsors and media partners.
Note: Pride in London reserves the absolute right to allocate or amend the appropriate category based on information provided and internal criteria. Misrepresentation of organisational status may result in disqualification without refund.
Entry Categories - Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: We are a large national charity with specific LGBTQ+ programmes. Which category should we apply under?A: Large national charities should apply under the Non-Profit, Union, Public Sector & Education category, even if you have specific LGBTQ+ programmes. This category is appropriate for organisations that have substantial operational capacity and formal structures.
Q2: Our LGBTQ+ employee network wants to march. Can we apply as a Community Group?
A: No, LGBTQ+ employee networks must participate as part of their company's main entry. Companies should apply under either Company Entry or Sponsoring Partner categories, depending on their relationship with Pride in London.
Q3: We are a university LGBTQ+ student society. Can we march separately from our university?
A: No, university LGBTQ+ societies must participate as part of their educational institution's entry under the Non-Profit, Union, Public Sector & Education category. This applies to all student LGBTQ+ societies regardless of their internal structure.
Q4: We are a political party's LGBTQ+ wing. Which category should we apply under?
A: Political parties and their LGBTQ+ wings must apply under the Non-Profit, Union, Public Sector & Education category. All political party entries should be coordinated through their main party structure.
Q5: We are an LGBTQ+ professional network (e.g., LGBTQ+ lawyers network). Where do we fit?
A: Most LGBTQ+ professional networks should apply as Community Groups, as they are typically grassroots organisations created by and for LGBTQ+ people in specific professions. Only formally structured professional bodies with significant operational capacity and paid staff should apply under the Non-Profit category.
Q6: Our organisation is a CIC/CIO focused primarily on LGBTQ+ support. Can we apply as a Community Group?
A: Yes, CICs and CIOs that primarily focus on LGBTQ+ support at a community level can apply as Community Groups. The key factor is your primary focus on LGBTQ+ community work rather than your organisational structure.
Q7: We are an LGBTQ+ sports team. Which category should we apply under?
A: LGBTQ+ specific sports teams should apply under the Community Group category. This includes independent LGBTQ+ sports clubs and teams that focus on providing sporting opportunities specifically for the LGBTQ+ community.
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Parade groups can apply to participate as either a walking group or a float group. The entry fee is calculated based on your organisation type and the type of entry you select.
What is a Float?
A float includes any of the following:
Motorised vehicles
Tuk-tuks or rickshaws
Trolleys over 1m x 1m
Multi-person inflatables
More than 9 bicycles
Multi-person puppets
Only one float type is permitted per entry. All floats must comply with the Float Safety Standards and any guidance issued by Transport for London (TfL) or the Metropolitan Police.
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Due to space limitations, wristbands are allocated based on the type and size of the group. Wristbands are required for all participants and are strictly limited. No participant will be permitted to take part in the Parade without a valid wristband.
The number of wristbands available for each group category is as follows:
LGBTQ+ Community Group: 25, 50, or 75 wristbands
LGBTQ+ Business: 25 or 75 wristbands
Nonprofits, Unions & Public Sector: 50 wristbands
Company (without float): 50 wristbands
Company (with float): 50 or 75 wristbands
Groups with floats will receive an additional 6 or 8 wristbands for wheel stewards and on the day 2 wristbands will be provided to your drivers
When applying, choose the exact number of wristbands you require. This ensures fair space distribution and minimizes the environmental and logistical impact of the parade.
Pride in London reserves the right to amend wristband allocations based on capacity, safety, and route constraints.
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Groups requesting a float must explain why it is necessary and confirm that alternatives have been explored. Consider the environmental impact of using a float, including fuel use and vehicle emissions. If a float is essential, ensure that materials are ethically sourced, avoid single-use plastics, and plan to recycle or reuse float decorations after the event.
Float participants must comply with all vehicle and driver documentation checks before Parade Day. All required documentation and information must be submitted by the deadline specified by Pride in London. Failure to meet this deadline will result in automatic cancellation of your float entry, with no possibility of reimbursement.
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Item descriptionApplication submitted and checked for completeness.
Review by the Community Engagement Team.
Final approval by the Pride in London Parade Team.
Notification of outcomes issued by end of March 2026.
Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Pride in London retains full discretion over admission decisions and reserves the right to decline any application without obligation to provide detailed reasoning.
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The Guidance Notes
All participating groups must also:
Comply with UK equality, health and safety, and public order legislation.
Hold adequate public liability insurance covering all participants and equipment.
Follow all operational instructions issued by Pride in London and relevant authorities.
Ensure that all participants are briefed on behaviour expectations and safety measures.
Notify Pride in London immediately of any incident, injury, or near-miss.
Pride in London accepts no liability for loss, damage, or injury caused by the actions or omissions of participating groups.
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Approved groups must pay their participation fee (if applicable) within 14 days of approval.
Payment confirms your space and secures your allocation.
If fees are not received within the timeframe, the application will be automatically disqualified.
If paying via bank transfer, written confirmation must be emailed to Pride in London or uploaded via Dashboard to enable payment matching and processing.
Refunds are not guaranteed for withdrawal, disqualification, or non-compliance.
Pride in London reserves the right to apply a late payment interest rate of 4% above Barclays Bank’s base rate until payment is received.
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Refunds are at the sole discretion of Pride in London and will not be issued for withdrawals after 1 April 2026.
Substitution of organisations or transfer of entries is not permitted without prior written approval.
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If you have questions while completing your application, please contact the Parade Team at [email protected].
Applications are managed by a team of dedicated volunteers, and with nearly 600 annual applicants, responses may take time — we thank you for your patience.
Our team is committed to helping you make your Pride in London 2026 experience safe, inclusive, and unforgettable.
GUIDANCE FOR PARADE GROUPS
Pride in London aims to create a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience for everyone while maintaining high standards of safety and sustainability. Each group participating must adhere to the following guidelines, rules and specifications.
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A float includes any of the following:
Motorised vehicles
Tuk-tuks or rickshaws
Trolleys larger than 1m x 1m
Multi-person inflatables
More than 9 bicycles
Multi-person puppets
Groups may only bring one type of float (e.g., vehicle or inflatable, not both).
All floats are subject to safety checks and must comply with Pride in London operational standards and relevant Transport for London (TfL) and Metropolitan Police requirements.
You are responsible for obtaining your own float at your own cost. Please let us know if you would like details of suppliers we have previously worked with.
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To ensure a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience:
All participants and groups must comply with the Code of Conduct and the Pride Pledge.
Failure to follow guidance, operational instructions, or legal requirements may result in removal from the Parade, exclusion from future events, or disqualification without refund.
Pride in London reserves the right to amend rules, group placement, or Parade order at any time for safety, capacity, or reputational reasons.
These guidelines reflect operational experience, feedback from previous Parades, and consultation with the Greater London Authority (GLA) and other statutory agencies.
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Parade Wristbands
Every participant must wear a valid Pride in London wristband to access the Parade. The number of participants for each group is limited to the number of wristbands the group has. Any person without a wristband will be removed if they do not have a wristband even if they have the same t-shirt as the rest of your group.
Wristbands are issued centrally the week before the event; collection details will be communicated in advance. We are not able to post wristbands to groups and these cannot be collected on the day of the parade.
Children are included in wristband allocations; infants carried for the entire Parade are exempt. Children in prams must have a wristband.
Any photographer, facepainter or other person assisting the group must have a wristband. Any float contractor will need a wristband or your group must apply for them to have contractor wristbands.
No participant may take part without a valid wristband.
Groups are responsible for distributing wristbands to all participants before arriving at the entry point.
Age Restrictions
Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
Groups with children must implement safeguarding measures, including a plan for reuniting if separated.
Animals and Pets
Pets are not permitted due to safety and noise concerns.
Assistance animals are allowed, but Pride in London must be notified in advance.
Owners are responsible for the behaviour and safety of any animals present.
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Arrival times will be allocated between 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM for walking groups; float and vehicle groups will be required to arrive at their allocated arrival time between8:00–11:00 AM.
Groups must not arrive earlier than their allocated time, as early arrivals create confusion, congestion, and unnecessary delays for your group and other groups.
Groups should expect a 60–90 minute wait between arrival and Parade start; delays may occur due to operational or security considerations.
Groups must arrive on time; failure to do so may result in loss of allocated space or exclusion from participation.
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Substance Use: Participants must not be intoxicated or under the influence of illegal drugs. Violation will be reported to the police.
Glass Prohibition: Glass bottles or drinking glasses are not allowed for safety reasons. Use reusable, non-glass containers.
Attire: Participants may express themselves through attire, but clothing must meet the minimum legal standard (equivalent to swimwear) and not be offensive, obscene, or discriminatory.
Parade Flow: Groups must maintain pace, avoid gaps, and not stop for photos or performances along the route.
Group Placement: Groups must remain in their assigned positions to ensure safety and orderly movement.
Environmental Considerations: Single-use plastics are prohibited. Refillable water bottles are encouraged; drinking water is available in form-up areas. There are further water points at the end of the parade.
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Donations and Sales: Soliciting funds or payments (including “text to donate” or cash/card payments) is not permitted.
Prohibited Items: Smoke machines, flares, fireworks, and pyrotechnics are strictly prohibited.
Merchandise Distribution: Only allowed with prior written approval from [email protected].
Music: Music may only be played on the parade route (after the start arch and before the finish arch). Music is prohibited in form-up or dispersal areas. Please let us know on the application whether you are bringing music.
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Materials must be ethically sourced; decorations should be reusable or recyclable where possible.
Trolleys, carts, or other non-float equipment must not exceed 1m x 1m in size.
Decorations must be securely fastened to prevent hazards.
Electrical equipment must have a valid Portable Appliance Test (PAT) certificate.
Petrol generators are prohibited; only battery-powered or approved diesel generators may be used.
Roadworthiness
All vehicles must be roadworthy with a valid MOT certificate, insurance, and road tax.
Vehicles not currently road-legal must apply for a Vehicle Special Order and notify Pride in London at [email protected].
Pride in London reserves the right to reject any vehicle that does not meet safety, legal, or operational requirements.
Parade Design Approval
Float designs must be submitted for approval by 5:00 PM on 4 May 2026.
Failure to submit by the deadline will result in automatic exclusion of the float from the parade, with no refund issued. Walkers from your group may still participate.
Pride in London reserves the right to request amendments to float designs for safety, accessibility, environmental, or operational reasons.
Design Elements
Decorations must be securely fastened to prevent movement or hazards during the parade.
All electrical equipment must pass Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and comply with UK safety standards.
Generators: Petrol generators are prohibited. Only battery-powered or approved diesel generators may be used.
Safety rails: Floats carrying people must have solid handrails at waist height and a lower rail to prevent slipping or falling.
The lower half of all vehicle wheels must remain exposed for visibility and safety.
Pride in London reserves the right to inspect and reject float components that do not comply with safety requirements.
Vehicle Size
Maximum permitted vehicle dimensions:
Length: 10 metres
Width: 2.5 metres
Height: 4.5 metres
Vehicles exceeding these dimensions will not be permitted to participate.
Drivers, Co-Drivers, and Wheel Stewards
Drivers: Submit full details (name, licence number, address, mobile number) by 1 June 2026.
Co-Drivers: All vehicles must have a co-driver who remains with the vehicle whenever the driver steps away. If they may need to drive they will need to submit the same details as the driver.
These details will be submitted for background checks.
Wheel Stewards: 6–8 stewards must be provided per vehicle to guide and ensure participant safety. You must ensure that the wheel stewards have high visibility vests and be around the vehicle. The vehicle will not be able to be part of the parade if there are no or insufficient wheel stewards.
Non-compliance: If the required details are not submitted by the announced deadline, the float will be automatically excluded from the parade, with no refund issued.
Pride in London reserves the right to refuse participation for vehicles without adequate staffing or safety supervision.
Compliance and Enforcement
Pride in London reserves the right to remove floats or vehicles from the parade if they are deemed unsafe or non-compliant with legal, safety, or operational requirements.
Failure to meet deadlines or safety standards may result in automatic exclusion, with no refund, and may affect future participation eligibility.
All float participants must follow instructions from Pride stewards, parade marshals, police, and other authoritiesduring form-up and along the parade route.
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Attendance by group leaders to one of the parade briefings is mandatory for all groups with a float. Briefings provide critical updates, safety guidance, and deadlines.
Sessions last approximately 2 hours and may be held online or in central London. Dates and joining instructions will be provided in advance.
We are also providing Q&A sessions where you can turn up at any time during the session to ask questions you may have.
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Pride in London organises social events for group leaders to meet the Parade Team and network with other participants. Attendance is encouraged but not mandatory.
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All participants and groups must comply with the following:
UK law, including equality, public safety, and safeguarding legislation.
Health & Safety obligations, including risk assessments for group activities.
Insurance: Adequate public liability insurance is required for any activity or equipment used in the Parade.
Operational Compliance: Follow all instructions from Pride in London, police, TfL, or other statutory authorities.
Incident Reporting: Any accidents, injuries, or near misses must be reported to the Parade Team immediately.
Pride in London accepts no liability for injuries, loss, or damage caused by participants’ actions or omissions or by any third party. Failure to comply with legal or safety requirements may result in removal from the Parade, fines, or disqualification.
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There will be a contractor area on Stanhope Gate.
If your contractor requires access to the vehicle in the form area you must request a contractor space by 4 May.
Contractors must provide the following details by 1 June 2026:
Floats groups they are looking after
Number of vehicles required in the contractor area
Vehicle registration numbers
For each driver:
Driver licence photo
Driver name
Driver licence number
Driver email address
Driver date of birth
Driver mobile number
Driver address
Number of wristbands required (and name of contractors?)
Contractor liability insurance
These details will be submitted for background checks.
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Pride in London shall not be liable for any loss or damage suffered during the event including any damage to any float or inflatable. Any losses you suffer for any breach of these terms will be limited to the participating fee paid. This does not include or limit in any way our liability for: (i) death or personal injury caused by our negligence, (ii) under section 2(3) of the Consumer Protection Act 1987, (iii) fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, and (iv) any matter where it is illegal for us to exclude, or attempt to exclude, our liability.
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Pride in London reserves the absolute right to:
Reassign or reclassify any group based on operational, safety, or reputational considerations.
Withdraw approval at any stage for non-compliance or breach of rules.
Adjust Parade routes, form-up, or entry positions for safety and security.
FLOAT SAFETY
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All floats must be ready for a safety inspection prior to the parade departure time. Floats failing inspection or arriving late will not be permitted to join the procession.
Motorised Vehicles: Must be road legal, insured, and have a current MOT or equivalent documentation if applicable.
Visibility: Vehicle lights and indicators must not be obstructed by decorations.
Generators:
Only diesel generators are allowed. They must be securely fastened to the float, earthed, and RCD protected.
Privately hired generators must have a valid electrical safety certificate, available for inspection during the safety check.
Electrical Equipment:
All electrical devices must have valid safety certification and pass an inspection.
Prohibited Items:
No naked flames are permitted on the float.
Decor:
All items must be securely fixed to prevent slipping, movement, or falling.
Materials should be fire-proofed or have appropriate fire certification.
Fire Safety: Each float must carry CO2 or powder fire extinguishers.
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To ensure the safety of everyone, all participating vehicles must meet the following criteria:
Be in good working order and roadworthy.
Have a valid vehicle excise license (tax).
Tyres must be in good condition.
All lights and turning indicators must be operational.
Be fully insured with evidence available upon request.
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Drivers must:
Be appropriately insured.
Drive slowly and avoid sudden starts or stops.
Remain with the vehicle at all times, including when stationary.
Display the provided front windscreen signs with group and driver details and the float’s parade order number.
Follow all instructions from event staff.
Drivers must not consume alcohol before or during the parade.
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Passengers/riders on floats must:
Be aged 12 or older. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult responsible for their safety.
Stay in a safe position, ideally seated for stability. Standing riders must use handrails or secure harnesses.
Stand in the middle of the float and avoid the edges to prevent falls.
Dress appropriately for the weather and bring sufficient refreshments for the parade duration.
Not distribute gifts or advertising from the float, as this poses safety risks to the crowd.
Not consume alcohol before or during the parade.
Comply with noise level regulations for music played on floats.
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Decorations must:
Be securely fixed to the float to withstand movement and weather conditions.
Be fireproofed using appropriate treatments (e.g., fire-proofing liquids like Flambar).
Be at least 1 metre off the ground.
Fit within the maximum size restrictions:
Length: 10 metres
Width: 2.5 metres
Height: 4.5 metres
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Electrical Appliances:
Must be tested and carry proof of testing for inspection.
Power Sources:
Petrol generators are prohibited unless integral to the vehicle.
Diesel generators or battery-powered systems are preferred due to safety and environmental considerations.
Safety Features:
All power sources must be securely fastened to prevent movement.
Electrical systems must be properly earthed to prevent shock hazards, especially in wet weather.
Wires and appliances must be RCD protected to ensure electrical safety.
By following these guidelines, we can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable Pride parade for everyone involved. Thank you for your cooperation!
There will be a safety inspection of your float before it is allowed to participate in the procession. Event Safety Advisors will be looking for all the points made here in this guide. If the float does not meet the required safety standards or cannot be altered on site to meet the required safety standards, then it will not be able to join the parade.
READY TO APPLY?
If you’ve read the above and you’re ready to apply (or have already submitted an application and want to get back to the application portal link) this button will take you to the deadlines summary and relevant application portal
QUESTION WE HAVEN’T ANSWERED?
We have another FAQ section you can look over, and if you still have a query, you can submit it to our parade team and they’ll respond via email.
Where Pride in London is a volunteer-led organisation, our Parade team complete their Pride in London commitments alongside their day jobs and family commitments. That in mind, we remind you that our responses may come outside of business hours or a after a slightly longer wait that you might usually anticipate. We appreciate your understanding and patience.