Second ever Banbury Pride given the go ahead for event

Banbury Town Council has approved the Pride Committee’s application for grant funding

This means the committee has booked acts without the need to charge the public a ticket fee to attend.

Banbury Pride will take place in the town centre on May 30, bringing together the community for a day of live entertainment, community stalls, and inclusive activities for all ages.

Organised by a team of volunteers, the event aims to promote visibility, understanding, and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Banbury Town Council leader Shaida Hussain said: “Banbury Town Council is pleased to support the return of Banbury Pride and our local LGBTQ+ community in celebrating inclusion, visibility, and equality.

“Banbury is built on strong values including respect and diversity and we are thrilled to play a part in an event that brings people together in such a positive and meaningful way. 

“We look forward to this year’s Banbury Pride and we wish the organisers the best of luck in bringing such a fantastic event to the town.”

Entertainment includes: live music, childrens entertainment, face painting, rugby teams, charity stalls and a stagecoach pride bus and fire engine.

Banbury Pride will take place in the town centre on May 30 (Image: Supplied)

Banbury Pride co-chair Rebecca Bell said:“I am so excited for our community to come together this weekend to mark Pride.

“For many years groups have tried to arrange a Pride event for Banbury and never got it over the line. We were delighted with how successful we were in 2024 and now want to make it an annual tradition.

“We were so happy with the number of applications from stall holders and performers and had to turn away several just for space and time restrictions.

“I’d like to thank everyone for the support they’ve shown us so far. In particular, I want to thank Banbury Town Council for the grant funding.

“Unfortunately, Pride is needed now more than ever as we see the rise of the far right in our country normalise hateful behaviours including racism, homophobia and transphobia.”

Banbury Pride encouraged more local businesses to fund the event, as well as take part to continue the event into 2027.

The first ever Banbury Pride took place in 2024 on Butcher’s Row in Banbury.

There were several acts and musicians who entertained the crowds for Banbury Pride, and it is estimated between 3500 and 4000 people attended over the weekend.

In 2025, Banbury Pride was scaled back and instead took place inside multiple pubs.

The event title ‘Pride in Pubs’ took place across multiple local pubs and one church.