The Whitaker and Spectrum Inclusion have announced the return of the award-winning Rossendale Pride Festival, set to take place on Saturday, July 18, from 11am to 3pm. This highly anticipated community celebration is free to attend and promises a vibrant day of live music, family-friendly entertainment, and essential community connections.
Award-Winning Celebration Returns
Building on its reputation as an award-winning small event, this year's festival brings together an incredible array of local talent, interactive entertainment, and a vital network of health and wellbeing support groups. The festival won the Best Small Event in Lancashire at the Lancashire Tourism Awards for its 2025 Pride celebration.
Jack Riggs, director at Spectrum Inclusion, said: "We are thrilled to be partnering with The Whitaker again to bring Rossendale its third Pride. Now more than ever, Pride is important to show people they are not alone and to give a safe space and community for people to be themselves, which they may not have otherwise."
Community Support and Resources
An exceptional Pride celebration thrives on a strong community foundation. This year, continuing their collaboration with Spectrum Inclusion, the festival is thrilled to host a brilliant line-up of advice, health, and support organisations. Attendees are encouraged to stop by the community stalls to grab resources, seek advice, or simply have a friendly chat.
Participating support groups include NHS Talking Therapies and Proud Rovers. From mental health and identity support to inclusive sports and safety services, these stalls ensure that festival-goers have access to a robust, welcoming safety net.
Main Stage Line-Up and Entertainment
The Main Stage will feature a diverse and dynamic line-up of performers celebrating queer joy, creativity, and local youth culture. Highlights include comedy drag artist Diana Do Good, a high-energy Puppet Rave, and Rossendale Youth Zone.
Beyond the main stage, the festival grounds will be packed with interactive entertainment, delicious local food and drink, and creative sanctuaries for all ages.
Community and Inclusivity at the Heart
Gaynor Seville, creative director from The Whitaker, added: "We are extremely proud to be hosting Rossendale's third Pride festival this year, with Spectrum Inclusion, and delighted that we can refer to it as an award-winning event after winning the Best Small Event in Lancashire for our 2025 Pride at the Lancashire Tourism awards! The Whitaker is a place for all, and we actively celebrate our LGBTQIA community and will always be a supportive and safe place for everyone. Seeing so many people turn up last year, all ages and demographics, coming together to dance, sing and celebrate was both moving and joyous. I look forward to seeing many more this year, flying those rainbow Pride flags high."
Event Details
- Event: Rossendale Pride Festival
- Date: Saturday, July 18
- Time: 11am-3pm
- Location: The Whitaker, Rossendale (covering Bacup, Rawtenstall and Haslingden, Lancashire)
- Admission: FREE
Everyone is welcome to join this inclusive, vibrant celebration of love, diversity, and community spirit. Visit The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery socials for more information.
