Torbay Pride returns with biggest event yet

Torbay Pride will return to Torre Abbey Meadows on Saturday, June 14, marking its third year since its decade-long revival and promising the most ambitious event to date.

Following a weather-affected 2024, organisers have opted for a streamlined one-day celebration in collaboration with Torbay Council. They plan to return to a multi-day event in the future. The festival remains free to attend and open to all, regardless of age, background or identity.

Above: 2025 line up

Organisers say Torbay Pride exists not just to celebrate but to address the lack of safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ people in the region. It promotes equality and diversity by helping to eliminate discrimination, particularly on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity.

A spokesperson said: “At the end of the day, we are real people. Behind every event, hateful comments on our social media posts and torn-down posters from a community board are a handful of individuals just trying to make people feel safe and be happy to be themselves in our hometown. Of all the issues affecting Torbay today, from homelessness and the cost of living to anti-social behaviour and hate crimes… just for a day, is a little joy so bad?”

Above: Pride March 2023. Image: Rob Bricknell

The day begins with the traditional Pride March, gathering at Princess Gardens from 11.30am and setting off along Torbay Road at 12pm. Supported by Stagecoach, the parade will feature community groups including Devon and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, South Western Ambulance Service, Roc Samba and stilt walkers. The main event at Torre Abbey Meadows is scheduled to begin at around 12:45pm, with performances from 1pm to 10pm. Entertainment will be hosted by a line-up of seven “fabulous” drag performers, with ten live musical acts set to take the stage throughout the day.

This year’s Pride will also host over 60 stalls in the Market Village, including local artisans, businesses, charities and advice services. Food and drink will be available from a range of local caterers offering BBQ, Thai, Greek, vegan options and more. Bays Brewery will operate a licensed area and there will be a water refill point onsite.

Above: Market Village 2023. Image: Toya Harvey (Oxyte)

New for 2025 is a dedicated family marquee with free activities, a Punch and Judy show and an inflatable play area provided by Mane Events, including a disco dome and obstacle course.

A charity dog show, organised by Animals in Distress Torbay and Westcountry, will also make its debut. Registration runs from 12pm to 1.30pm, with judging from 2pm. Categories are open to dogs of all breeds and ages.

Organisers say that Torbay Pride “would not be what it is” without funding support from the English Riviera BID and the National Lottery Community Fund, along with sponsorship from Steamer Quay, Well Guided Hair and Pier Point, who are supporting The Steps Experience.

Above: Torbay Pride Drag. Image: Grae Hood Photography

A small volunteer-led team manages Torbay Pride, and organisers expressed gratitude to the individuals who donate their time to build, run and dismantle the event.

However, despite growing attendance and support, only 11 per cent of Pride’s running costs this year were covered by sponsorship — down from 17 per cent the previous year. There are calls for broader engagement from businesses and the local community. Organisers emphasise that even small gestures — such as displaying inclusive signage, offering support in kind or walking in the parade — can help.

Above: Torbay Pride Volunteers. Image: Toya Harvey (Oxyte)

The spokesperson continued: “There are a lot of queer people in Torbay, of all ages and backgrounds, but despite this, there are next to no spaces for gay people to be with their community. There are groups and organisations such as Pride who are pushing to change this, but for me as a 27-year-old gay man, there are currently only three places that come to mind.”

 Programme details and ways to support the event are  on the official website: www.torbaypride.co.uk