Explore who we are, what we do, and our values, along with our commitment to staying true to Pride’s origins. Discover our mission, the impact we strive for, and our vision for an inclusive future where all LGBTQIA+ people thrive.

Who we are.

Margate Pride is a community-led, arts-focused organisation committed to celebrating diversity and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, allies, and beyond. Through year-round events, we aim to combat discrimination and isolation while promoting social cohesion and fostering a sense of belonging.

Founded in 2016 as a small parade led by friends, Margate Pride was born in response to the rise of right-wing political gains in local elections and a national increase in homophobic and transphobic hate crimes. While this might seem like a bleak starting point, our community came together that day to stand against discrimination and harassment, sparking a local movement to fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion.

Fast forward to 2024, Margate has become known as “England's unassuming LGBTQ+ hub,” with census data showing over 7% of the population identifying as LGBT+—a higher percentage than cities like Manchester and Bristol and not far behind Brighton, the UK's long-standing queer coastal capital.

What We Do.

Our year-round events provide opportunities for activism, protest, celebration, and advocacy, reflecting the diversity of ways our community experiences Pride. From socials for LGBTQIA+ youth, elders, and people with disabilities, to cultural programming and grassroots initiatives, our events are tailored to the needs of different intersections of the community.

Tea Time Socials: These gatherings create safe spaces for self-identifying ‘swishy seniors’ to connect, hosted by the community with performance and high tea.

BeYou (in partnership with Porchlight): A central hub for LGBTQIA+ / questioning young people to meet, form friendships, and find support.

February: LGBT+ History Month
We host a range of cultural activities programmed by us and the community, celebrating the rich heritage of LGBTQIA+ people in Margate and beyond.

August: Margate’s Pride Month
Our Pride Month sees The Margate Pride Festival, held annually. This festival highlights local LGBTQIA+ talent while welcoming world-class performers like Sugababes, Self Esteem, and Jodie Harsh. Screenings, panel discussions, theatre, workshops, socials and more including:

The Pride Art Map is an LGBTQIA+-led arts trail showcasing work by queer artists.

Mx Margate - alternative beauty pageant, and Cockles and Muscles club night.

 Pride Day sees the whole town celebrate either side of our no-floats march along the seafront, followed by rally speakers from across the community, performances and celebrations for all ages.

Despite our small team and volunteer network, Margate Pride’s festival has become one of the most celebrated in the UK.

  • Our Values.

    We proudly operate without corporate sponsorship, a rarity among Pride celebrations. This independence ensures we remain community-focused and allows us to speak out on important issues without external funding pressures. As a non-profit organisation, we rely on community contributions and grants to fulfil our mission. Every donation helps us continue our work.

  • Staying True to Pride’s Origins.

    Each Pride Festival includes an annual rally where LGBTIQ+ activists, locally and nationally, take the stage. Past speakers have included African Rainbow Family, The Outside Project, Traveller Pride, Parental Acceptance, Everyday Racism, and Queer Refugees Unite, keeping Pride’s roots in protest and resistance at the forefront.

  • Our Impact.

    Our success is measured by the impact we make. By creating free, accessible events, we enable our community to gather, learn, and grow in ways they otherwise might not. We’ve empowered numerous organisations to create meaningful programming for marginalised members of the community, and we encourage everyone to participate in our events and help shape Pride.

    Margate Pride isn’t just a celebration—it’s a commitment to visibility, inclusivity, and grassroots activism.

  • Our Mission.

    Margate Pride seeks to advance equity and justice for LGBTQIA+ people in Kent and beyond by:

    Harnessing our events, creative resources, fundraising, and advocacy efforts to address the root causes of discrimination impacting the LGBTQIA+ community.

    Supporting community leaders and organisations that work to eliminate long-standing barriers to equal access, opportunities, and resources for LGBTQIA+ people.

    Expanding and deepening engagement among all LGBTQIA+ people and allies, including those who are economically, racially, socially, geographically, or politically disenfranchised.

  • Our Vision.

    Margate Pride envisions a world where all LGBTQIA+ people live safely, joyfully, and openly as their whole selves in the communities they call home.