Exeter Pride awarded £20,000 National Lottery funding to expand 2026 event

The organising committee and trustees behind Exeter Pride have secured £20,000 in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to help deliver a larger and more inclusive event this year.
The annual celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer/questioning plus (LGBTQ+) communities has grown significantly in recent years and is now one of the biggest free Pride events in the South West. Organisers say accessibility and inclusivity remain central to its mission of bringing the community together.
This year’s funding will support an expanded programme aimed at young people, children and families. Plans include the introduction of a dedicated Youth Pride, developed in partnership with Exeter Library and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, as well as activities in a second location at Rougemont Gardens.
The Youth Pride area will feature age-appropriate performances, workshops and creative opportunities, allowing young people to share and showcase their work. Meanwhile, the main event will be held in Northernhay Gardens, with two stages hosting live music and performances, alongside a marketplace, stalls and refreshments.
Exeter City Council has granted permission for use of the city’s parks and has contributed an additional £2,500 towards the event.
More than 9,000 people attended Exeter Pride last year, with a further 4,000 joining the March through the city. This year, the March will feature businesses, community groups, educational institutions and charities, and will follow an extended route to take in more of Exeter. Organisers say young people, children and families will play a central role in the procession.
Over 100 volunteers are expected to help deliver the event safely, with additional funding coming from business sponsorship, donations and grants.
Exeter Pride will take place on Saturday, May 9.
Russell Back, chair of Exeter Pride, said: “We are over the moon that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised Exeter Pride again this year and awarded us this grant. Having this funding means that we can concentrate on ensuring that this year’s Pride will be the best to-date, most accessible, inclusive and offering a great, free, family day out.
“Thank you to all of our local councillors who show year-on-year that Exeter is a place where all LGBTQ+ people can be their authentic selves.
“Thank you Exeter City Council and all of our amazing Sponsors, we can't do this without you.”