York Pride has celebrated its biggest-ever event, drawing more than 30,000 attendees to the Knavesmire.
The free, unticketed festival took place on Saturday, May 30, and welcomed more than 100,000 visitors to the wider York area, boosting footfall across hospitality, retail, and tourism.
The figures have been revealed in the charity’s first official impact report, which highlights 2026 as a year of record growth and community impact.
Greg Stephenson, chair of York Pride, said: "York Pride 2026 has exceeded all our expectations, demonstrating not only the vibrant inclusivity of our city but also the tangible economic and social value that Pride brings to the entire region.
"By keeping the festival free and unticketed despite rising operational costs of over £150,000, we ensured that celebration, advocacy, and community remained accessible to absolutely everyone."
The festival began with a colourful parade through the city centre, culminating in a full day of entertainment at the Knavesmire.
More than 150 traders, charities, and community groups took part across an expanded site featuring three performance stages, a dance tent, and a new Family Zone.
Organisers said the financial success of this year’s event was secured through record-breaking merchandise and wristband sales, as well as strong support from sponsors and partners.
This included headline sponsorship from the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority, led by mayor David Skaith, along with backing from City of York Council and the University of York.
York Pride volunteers also made significant progress towards their environmental goals.
The 2026 festival eliminated paper waste by switching entirely to digital guides, introduced sustainable transport partnerships, and rolled out an improved recycling strategy.
Organisers say these steps have brought them closer to their goal of achieving a net-zero carbon event by 2030.
The full 2026 Impact Report detailing economic metrics, community feedback, and sustainability benchmarks is now available to view on the official York Pride website.
Looking ahead, the charity hopes to use this year’s success as a foundation for broader outreach and stronger environmental action.
York Pride is a registered charity that aims to promote equality, diversity, and the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Through its annual festival and year-round advocacy work, the organisation aims to raise awareness and help build a safer, more welcoming community.
The event continues to grow thanks to the dedication of volunteers and the support of the wider community.
York Pride’s 2026 Impact Report is available to view on its official website.