Explainer

Birmingham Pride: 10 things you need to know about this year's event

Like all large-scale events, Birmingham Pride was postponed due to the pandemic

Words by ITV News Central Production Journalist George Hancorn

After hosting its first celebration back in 1997, Birmingham Pride has grown to become of one the UK's largest LGBTQI+ festivals, with over 75,000 part of its parade alone last year.

When does it start?

This year's event kicks off later today with a series of free events. The ‘Community Village Green’ is aimed at families looking for a quieter, accessible area within the Pride Village.

Featuring local performers plus a candelit vigil - remembering those from the LGBT+ community.

The main pride event takes place across both Saturday (25th) and Sunday (26th) from the main arena.

Where's it taking place?

The former Smithfield Market site will be Pride's home for this year. Organisers say they started early to get the big build underway.

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The parade is likely to be the biggest in Birmingham Pride's history.

Organisers say upwards of 75,000 are usually in attendence.

The procession begins in Birmingham's Victoria Square - outside the Council House - and will then make it's way along New Street - as thousands line the city's streets.

Who will be performing?

Pride's organisers say they tried to hold on to as many of their original line up as they could - with some uncertainty when cancelling Pride in 2020 whether their big performers would be on the bill.

Girls Aloud star Cheryl was due to headline the event on Sunday, but says she's made the difficult decision not to after the recent passing of her former bandmate, Sarah Harding

Others on the lineup on Saturday include Katy B, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Jodie Harsh and Boney M - as well as home-grown talent including Birmingham's Yshee Black

Sunday sees RAYE, Clean Bandit & Sister Sledge bringing the event to a close on Pride's Main Arena Stage.

The disco group say they can't wait to get back on stage - with Birmingham an audience they can't wait to get in front of.

Lawrence Barton, Director of Birmingham Pride

How else is the city celebrating?

Landmarks across the city will be lighting up in rainbow colours to mark this year's event.

The Library of Birmingham and venues in Birmingham's Gay Village will shine in rainbow colours.

The library is one of many landmarks lighting up to celebrate the LGBT+ community Credit: Birmingham City Council

Who can attend?

Birmingham Pride is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, with organisers saying everyone and anyone is welcome to attend.

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Why is it important?

According to the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, the region has seen over 1,000 instances of hate crime towards LGBTQI+ people from the year to March 2021.

Simon Foster explained that homophobic hate crimes "will not be tolerated".

Where does from the cash from this year's event go?

Organisers of Birmingham Pride say they're a is a 'Not for profit' organisation.

It first became a ticketed event in 2014, and since then the festival has awarded over £250,000 to community and support groups.

Are children welcome to attend?

Children under 14 must be accompanied at all times by an adult - with under 5's free to attend.

After 10pm on both Saturday and Sunday, only those who are over 18 will be permitted entry.

Will it be taking place in 2022?

Birmingham Pride is usually a summer event, but was moved to September due to the pandemic. Organisers hope it can return again next year.