Love Is Love – Folkestone Pride

June is officially Pride month across the UK but the folk behind Folkestone Pride work hard to make Pride events happen all year round.  The team keep the love alive with monthly LGBTea+ sandwiches meets at The Folkestone Bookshop, roller discos, DJ nights and walks, swims and Active Pride sessions at F51. Some events are fundraisers for the main Pride Parade, this year held on Saturday 26th 2025, but every meet is designed to give a safe and accessible opportunity to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community. Rosie Percy, one of the co-directors, spoke to Folkelife about the plans.

Rosie: “My first Pride in Folkestone was quite disastrous actually. My now-ex’s parents were down and I’d put a rainbow ribbon in my hair as part of my outfit.  I can distinctly remember his mother saying ‘Why are you doing that?  Aren’t you scared they’ll think you’re one of them?!’  And I thought ‘you are part of the problem.’  Homophobia is there, but every time you witness it, it always shocks.  That’s why we think it’s really important not to confine Pride to just one month, or just one event.  We want to celebrate love in all its shapes and sizes and people in any way we can.”

pride For everyone

“We want everyone to enjoy Pride, so we’ve tried to make sure there’s a little something here for you all.  We always have the parade, which is an important moment to showcase love, diversity and equality.  This year the route is longer, so even more people across town can get involved.  We’ve got a brilliant mix of performers, including some making their Folkestone debut.

“We’re also working with the amazing Damp Disco team to throw a proper after-party that celebrates everything Pride stands for. At a time when many in the LGBTQ+ community are feeling uncertain or under pressure, events like this are about showing up, standing together and reminding ourselves, and each other, that love and solidarity matter. We hope everyone comes out to celebrate with us” 

pride across town

Rosie: “We have to thank all the local businesses who have helped support us.  It’s a big thing putting on an event like this and we’re only a small team.  Our marshals are all volunteers too, so thanks to them as well.  

“Dita Garbo joins us again to host at The Bandstand on The Leas, fresh from her appearance on Ru Paul’s Drag Race.  The Parade is free for everyone to join, and the after party with Damp Disco has tickets priced at £7.75pp.  We try to make things as accessible as possible.”

a safe space to celebrate

Rosie: “The fact that there are so many businesses in the town here to help us celebrate means we can put on an event where people feel safe. It’s great that our events are so well attended, but if the noise gets too much and you just want to take yourself off to a quieter space, then that’s available.  Sometimes it can be overwhelming and it’s important that everyone feels comfortable.”

beyond the parade

“Our band of volunteers is quite busy with the Parade organising at the moment but there’s space for more volunteers on the committee.  If anyone wants to get involved then please contact us at Folkestone Pride.  We’ve got other things planned such as sea swims, rambles and hikes, history walks, and our regular meets at The Folkestone Bookshop.  We’d love to see you!”