Leeds United and Marching Out Together were once again proud to be official sponsors of Leeds Pride 2026 at the weekend, and this time leading the parade for the very first time at the event’s 20th anniversary.
The parade started by the Town Hall, before heading down The Headrow and looping round on Kirkgate to the Pride Village near Trinity Leeds, where the whole street had been taken over by vibrant colours, independent vendors and authentic expression.
Over the weekend, 75,000 visitors were expected, as well as support from nearly 250 local businesses. This is a huge step-up from the inaugural event in which 6,500 people were present, demonstrating the huge strides the city is taking towards inclusion.
Club legends Tony Dorigo, Noel Whelan, and Bridie Hannon were part of the Leeds United contingent, along with a special appearance from Lucas the Kop Cat and a number of club staff, showing allyship and support to our friends who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
The club's presence at Leeds Pride is recognition of our continued commitment to equality and diversity, and we are delighted with how many supporters were in attendance.
On the event, Leeds United Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead Jade Brown said: “We're incredibly proud to have once again sponsored Leeds Pride and we are honoured to have lead the parade as the event celebrated its 20th anniversary.
“This year the club hosted a pre-parade breakfast for our colleagues and members of Marching Out Together before we all headed into the city to take part in the celebrations, which was an absolutely brilliant addition to the day.
“For us, Pride is about more than just attending a single event. It's about demonstrating our ongoing commitment to making Leeds United a place where everyone feels welcome, respected and empowered to be themselves.
“Through our relationship with Marching Out Together, we will be working hard across the upcoming season to challenge and eliminate homophobia in football, whilst continuing to promote inclusion and ensure that everyone feels they belong, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“Leeds Pride gave us the opportunity to celebrate diversity, inclusion, our friends at Marching Out Together and the wider LGBTQ+ community, while proudly representing our club and the city of Leeds."
Andrew Tilly, co-founder of Marching Out Together, added: “We are proud to be back here for our 7th Pride event, of which five have been sponsored by Leeds United. It’s amazing.
“It’s a big privilege for Leeds United and for us with Marching Out Together and the other four groups that have marched with us. It’s a big recognition, and definitely a big plus for us.
“It was great to see everyone there and great to have Tony Dorigo, Noel Whelan and Bridie Hannon helping to lead the parade along with Emma Jones – it just makes a huge difference!”
Over the last 20 years, Leeds Pride has become more than just a celebratory event around the LGBTQ+ community, now it is a testament to the progress and acceptance that has been achieved over the years.
Leeds Pride celebrates the incredible diversity within our city, and acts as a platform for education, highlighting the ongoing fight members of the LGBTQ+ still face every day.
To learn more about the success of Leeds Pride this year please, click here.
