Bristol Pride 2019: All you need to know

Crowds of people showed out to celebrate last year, with even higher numbers expected this weekend Credit: ITV News

This weekend marks one of the biggest city-wide events in Bristol's calendar as the Pride celebrations take to the streets.

It was announced earlier this year that the location for the main event would move, after a record-breaking 36,000 people turned out to Lloyds Amphitheatre for the 2018 festival.

Preparations have already begun on The Downs, which has the capability to hold double the capacity of last year's audience.

2019 marks the 10th Anniversary for the current Pride team and the festival in the form it takes now. With an increased venue size, Bristol Pride will welcome new areas and activities this summer, including a new stage in partnership with national lesbian publication DIVA Magazine.

WHAT'S ON

  • Pride Parade

Last year's parade clocked up a record number of supporters Credit: ITV News

More than 12,000 people joined the 2-mile-long parade through the city last year, with significantly more supporters expected to join for the 2019 march.

This year Pride is marking the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, the birth of the movement. As it is also the 10th anniversary of the current incarnation of Bristol Pride, that parade is tipped to be the biggest yet.

A free shuttle will be provided for those with official Bristol Pride wristbands to travel from the end of the route to the main site on The Downs.

The route is step free - however wheelchair users and those with mobility issues can join the parade as it loops back to Castle Park as it passes Wine St, in order to avoid initial steep hills.

  • Performances

Sophie Ellis-Bextor will headline the main stage on Saturday night Credit: PA Images

Organisers are taking full advantage of their new location and offering more stages and entertainment than ever before.

MAIN STAGE

The main stage is in action from 12pm - 9.30pm, featuring international headliners and tribute acts all day.

You can catch everyone from Adele tribute 'J'Adele' at 1.25pm. right up to headliner Sophie Ellis-Bextor at 8.50pm.

CABARET STAGE

Pride-goers have been warned to expect sequins, heels and risqué material throughout the day on the infamous cabaret stage.

Drag acts including 'Drag With No Name' and Ru Paul's Drag Race favourite 'Peppermint', will be putting on their best show between 12pm - 9pm.

THE NEW STAGE

To celebrate women everywhere, this year the New Stage will be showcasing some of the best female performers.

Lesbian and bisexual female publication DIVA will be supporting Pride with the stage between 1.20pm and 8pm.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

As well as the main stages, visitors can enjoy a Dance Stage, Silent Disco and an expo area.

FAMILY AREA

An area will be set aside for families to soak up the atmosphere in a relaxed environment.

Visitors are encouraged to discuss life as an LGBT+ parent, their experience of having LGBT+ children, or simply to show their loved ones the how diversity is celebrated.

There will be play areas for children, as well as Drag Queen Story Time - where one of the cabaret headliners will read to children every hour between 1pm - 4pm.

Bags will be searched at the site entrance, no alcohol, open bottles or drugs are permitted on sit Credit: PA Images

FOOD

A huge array of food will be available for those heading to the Downs on Saturday. A mix of meat, veggie and vegan fare will be on sale at a variety of stalls.

All the stalls on site have contributed to this years Pride event.

SECURITY

Bag searches will be in place at the entrance of the ground, and anyone who doesn't need a bag is encouraged to leave it at home to speed up the entry process.

Alcohol cannot be brought on to the Downs, but those with official wristbands will be able to claim discounts at the on-site bars.

Soft drinks can only be taken in if they are sealed, and no glass is allowed on-site.

  • Have a look at last year's highlights for a taste of what to expect at Bristol Pride 2019:

For a full guide to the event head to the official Bristol Pride site.