Sefton Pride brings unity and celebration to the streets of Bootle

Thousands turned out for Sefton Pride 2025 as the popular community celebration took over Bootle for the first time, with organisers calling it “a perfect blend of borough unity and inclusion.”

Now in its third year, Sefton Pride has quickly become one of the region’s most uplifting events. After starting in Southport in 2023 and moving to Victoria Park in 2024, this year’s celebration saw the march kick off at Bootle Town Hall and head through the streets to Salt & Tar, the town’s new outdoor events space by the Strand.

Crowds were even bigger this year following the decision not to hold a Pride event in Liverpool, with more people heading to Sefton to mark the occasion.

A Merseyside fire engine led the colourful parade, joined by Bootle MP Peter Dowd, local groups and supporters from across the borough.

Once at Salt & Tar, the party carried on with a full afternoon and evening of music, live entertainment, dancing, food and stalls – all free and open to everyone.

Local talent took to the stage throughout the day, including singer Sam Hopper, dance favourites MD Productions, the Scrapyard Studios choir and drag stars Pam Sandwich and Victoria Jones, who brought Kylie Minogue vibes to the crowd. There was even an interactive science show from Wacky Jacky and plenty more acts from across Sefton and beyond.

Traders from across the area served up everything from tacos to street food favourites, with Lock and Quay running the bar and food options from The Bus Yard and Tik Taco proving popular all day long.

Alongside the entertainment, there were stalls from local makers, community groups, charities and service providers, all showing support and sharing resources with visitors.

Sefton Pride 2025 was put together by Sefton Pride CIC with help from sponsors including Curlett Jones Estates, Acorn Insurance and Fletchers Solicitors.

Event organiser Jen Corcoran said:
“Sefton Pride 2025 was everything I could have wished for and more. Many people in the LGBTQIA+ community still feel unsafe, so creating a space where people feel seen and supported is more important than ever.

“There was incredible representation from our performers, stall holders, partners and everyone who came along. So many people told me it felt like a true community event – and that they felt safe. That means the world.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who made it possible. We’re already looking forward to working together again and continuing to stand up for the community all year round.”

You can follow the latest updates on the Sefton Pride Instagram page.

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