Happy Pride! It’s important to us that everyone feels safe and welcome at Bluewater – not just during Pride Month, but all of the time. We stand united in Pride with the LGBTQ+ community and against discrimination. We see you, this Pride and all year round. Read on to find out how we’re celebrating Pride 2026 and how we can all support our local LGBTQ+ community.
🌈 Pride Canterbury takes place on Saturday 6th June in the heart of Canterbury, centred around Westgate Gardens. The day begins with a parade through Canterbury High Street, followed by a huge celebration of LGBTQ+ identity at Pride Festival. Get ready for a diverse lineup of artists featuring Courtney Act, Beth McCarthy, Natasha Hamilton from Atomic Kitten and more, as well as a marketplace, food and drink vendors and an official afterparty.
🌈  Dartford Pride is on from 8th-14th June, featuring a whole week of vibrant celebrations. The main event is PrideFest: The Party 2026 on Saturday 14th June, taking place on the legendary stage at Orchard West and hosted by Anton Stephans (The X-Factor), and the fabulous local drag queen Sophia Stardust. Entry is free but advance booking is recommended. There’s lots more to look forward to, including Drag Bingo, Pride Cinema, as well as a Community Fair, Museum Exhibition and Poetry Workshop.Â
🌈 Margate Pride takes place on Saturday 8th August, starting off with a family event at Walpole Bay Lawns, followed by a March through town and along the seafront. Head to Dreamland for the daytime party and catch live entertainment, DJs and speeches on the Scenic Stage. Entry is free!
🌈 Faversham Pride is happening on Saturday 25th July at West Faversham Community Centre. Come along for a family-friendly pride celebration in the day, with fairground rides, community stalls and live entertainment, or join the over 18s afterparty in the evening.
Other events in Kent include Medway Pride on Saturday 22nd August at Rochester Castle Gardens and Pride Ashford on Saturday 20th June in Ashford Town Centre.
We See YouÂ
Our message for Pride 2026 is We See You.
Everyone should feel welcome, seen and heard in all the places they spend their time. Bluewater is proud to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and experiences, promoting acceptance and celebrating diversity. It's important to us that our centre is safe and welcoming to all.
LGBTQ+ organisations in Kent
MGSD Centre
The Medway Gender Sexual Diversity Centre provides a place where LGBTQI+ people and their families and friends can meet in a safe environment to enable them to receive peer support, education, training, advice, information and signposting opportunities.Â
Transgender Peer Associates
A not-for-profit company, based in Kent that aims to provide social and emotional support services, including peer support and mentoring.
Advice and SupportÂ
Try these organisations if you need advice, support, or simply a listening ear.
Switchboard
Switchboard is the national LGBTQ+ helpline and a safe space for anyone to discuss sexuality, gender identity, sexual health, emotional wellbeing and more. You can call the Switchboard team on 0800 0119 100 or visit their website.
LGBT Foundation
The LGBT Foundation is a national charity offering a helpline, health and wellbeing services, and support to lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. You can call their helpline on 0345 3 30 30 30, email them at helpline@lgbt.foundation, or visit their website.
