Ready for Chippenham PrideFest 2026? Here is your guide 

Chippenham PrideFest 2026 takes place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June 2026. The weekend features a Pride market right here at Emery Gate, a vibrant parade through the High Street, and a new family-friendly "Picnic in the Park" zone in Island Park, funded by the Chippenham Borough Lands Charity. 

PrideFest 2026 is just around the corner, and it is shaping up to be a fantastic celebration of diversity, creativity, and community spirit. 

Whether you are looking to shop local at the Pride market, enjoy live performances with the family, or simply soak up the welcoming atmosphere in the town centre, there is plenty to discover. The brilliant team at Pride in Chippenham CIC have been working hard to build on the success of previous years, bringing local businesses and community groups together to create a safe, inclusive space for everyone. 

We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about the upcoming weekend, including the full schedule, details about the fantastic market in Emery Gate, and the exciting new family zones. Let's take a look at what is in store for Chippenham PrideFest 2026! 

What are the highlights of Chippenham PrideFest 2026? 

The Pride in Chippenham team have put together a packed programme across multiple venues. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or attending your very first Pride event, you’ll find a warm welcome and a great variety of activities. 

What can I find at the Emery Gate Pride market? 

We are incredibly excited to host the PrideFest market  here in the shopping centre. Taking over the spacious former Tesco unit, the market will run from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 13th, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday 14th June. 

The market will bring together an amazing mix of local traders, community initiatives, and charities. Visitors can browse a lovely selection of handmade products, crafts, and tasty food from local makers. It‘s a fantastic opportunity to support independent businesses and LGBTQIA+ creators from across Wiltshire. 

Where is the family-friendly Picnic in the Park? 

This year, Chippenham PrideFest 2026 is expanding into the beautiful riverside Island Park to launch "Picnic in the Park".  

Picnic in the Park is designed as a relaxed, welcoming centrepiece for visitors of all ages. The space features live performances, creative activities, food stalls, and art workshops. Accessibility is a major focus here, with the site including quieter zones and wellbeing areas to support neurodiverse guests and those who prefer a calmer environment. 

Alice Porter, the production co-chair of PrideFest, told The Gazette and Herald: "Picnic in the Park will be a space where everyone can feel welcome, safe, and celebrated. Whether you’re coming with family, friends, or attending Pride for the first time, we want people to feel welcome from the moment they arrive." 

Rachael Arkinstall, grants manager at Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, echoed this community spirit. She noted that the charity is proud to support Pride in Chippenham and help bring this exciting new event to life, adding that it will "create a welcoming space that brings people together and celebrates inclusion." 

What is the schedule for Chippenham PrideFest 2026? 

Ready to plan your weekend? Here’s the complete schedule of events for Chippenham PrideFest 2026. Please note that some timings are subject to change, so be sure to check the official Chippenham Pride website for the latest updates. 

Friday 12th June 2026 

  • 6.30pm to 11pm: Pre-Pride at The Ruze. Featuring "Lashing out with Sheila Tackya", a live drag show celebrating four decades of queer culture. 

Saturday 13th June 2026 

  • All day: Pride Lion window trail for children across the Chippenham town centre. 

  • 9am: Pride Parkrun in Monkton Park. 

  • 10am: Progress Pride Flag raising by the Chippenham Town Council outside the Town Hall. 

  • 10am to 5pm: PrideFest Market in Emery Gate Shopping Centre. 

  • 10am to 5pm: Art and Craft Workshops in Island Park. 

  • 10.30am to 11.15am: Yoga with Pride in Island Park. 

  • 11.30am: Pride Parade along the High Street (starting at the bottom of the High Street). 

  • 12pm: Opening Ceremony in the Market Place at the top of the High Street. 

  • 1pm to 2pm: Pride Picnic in the Park in Island Park. 

  • 1pm to 3pm: "We Were Always Here: Wiltshire's hidden LGBTQIA+ social history" exhibition at the Yelde-Hall. 

  • 2pm to 2.45pm: Talk by Andrew Foyle at the Yelde-Hall on why LGBTQ+ history matters. 

  • 2pm to 4pm: Live Comedy at the Old Road Tavern. 

  • 2.30pm to 5pm: Open Mic with Runny Snots at Rivo Lounge. 

  • 7pm to 11pm: Punk Gig at the Old Road Tavern. 

  • Times TBC: Face Painting and Silent Disco in Island Park, Rag and Bones Youth Programme in Emery Gate, Live Music and Drag Karaoke at Grounded, and a book reading with Rosie Wilby at Waterstones. 

Sunday 14th June 2026 

  • 10am to 4pm: PrideFest Market continues in Emery Gate Shopping Centre. 

  • 11am to 1pm: Drag Brunch at Rivo Lounge. 

  • 2pm: Pride film screening at the Reel Cinema. 

  • 2pm: Raffle Draw at the Emery Gate market. 

  • 2pm to 5pm: Acoustic Gig at the Old Road Tavern. 

  • 5pm: Wine Down closing event at Wine Monkey. 

  • Times TBC: EcoFest at the Neeld Community and Arts Centre, and Yoga for the Neurodiverse at Santosha Studio. 

How can I support Pride in Chippenham this year? 

Chippenham PrideFest is entirely non-profit and relies on community support to keep going. The event is run by a dedicated group of locals who put in the work after hours to make Chippenham a welcoming place for everyone. 

You can support the event by donating directly through the Chippenham Pride website, buying tickets for the official raffle, or simply showing up and supporting the local LGBTQIA+ friendly businesses taking part. The organisers are also actively seeking volunteers for marshalling, stewarding, and general event support. If you would like to get involved, you can email them at info@chippenhampride.co.uk. 

We can’t wait to see you there 

Chippenham PrideFest 2026 is all about bringing people together and making sure everyone feels seen and supported. By attending the events, shopping at the market in Emery Gate, and enjoying the new family zones, you are helping to create a positive impact right here in our town. 

We look forward to welcoming you to Emery Gate and the wider town centre this June. Have a fantastic Pride! 

Jayson Flores