Kendal Pride returns to the Auld Grey Town as the celebration of Pride Done Differently marks its fourth year.

Starting in 2023 the theme for this year is ‘this is home’ with events running from Friday, June 12, to Sunday 14.

Venues across the town from Kendal Leisure Centre to Abbott Hall are hosting events, with for the first time a procession through the town.

Sally Lofthouse-Jones, chairperson of Kendal Pride, said: “We believe this year’s programme reflects the broad range of interests in the queer community, and gives people a chance to make new connections and celebrate together.

“We’re incredibly grateful to all of our partners and activities organisers – many of whom are volunteers – for coming together to put on a joyful weekend for everyone.

“We can’t wait to see everyone having a fabulous time together and showing that ‘this is home.’”

On Friday 12, Kendal Leisure Centre is the start of Lakes Queer Adventure’s Run with Pride 5km at 5pm (17:00) taking in the banks of the River Kent.

Queer by Glam are then holding The Queer Variety Show in Kendal Parish Hall from 6:30pm and Miss Gendered takes over the Snuff Bar from 8pm (20:00).

Saturday 13, starts early as a Pride Hike on Scout Scar sets off at 8:30am from Kendal Bus Station or 9:30am from Sizergh Castle.

While the Lakes Gravel Gang and Lakes All Terrain bike club each host a Ride with Pride from The Birdcage starting at 8:50am.

For the first time the celebration will include a procession from the town centre to the Pride Village at Abbot Hall.

The new procession will start at The Birdcage in the town centre on Saturday 13 at 11.45am with a special 15 minute performance, before following a route along the riverbank to the Pride Village at Abbot Hall.

As part of the procession there will be road closures on Finkle Street and Kent Street between 11.30am and 12.15pm.

Entertainment, stalls, food vendors, free family activities and a climbing wall, will take over Abbot Hall’s grounds throughout Saturday for the Pride Village from 12.30pm, with the main stage being hosted by drag queen Viola from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.

There’ll also be the hugely popular Proud Pooches Dog Show at the Pride Village in the afternoon in partnership with Animal Rescue Cumbria.

The annual Big Pride Party will also return to The Venue at Bowness Bay Brewery on Saturday evening, with performances from drag queen Aura Gasm, drag king Adam All and vogue dancer Eric Scurato.

Will Cooper, senior curator at Lakeland Arts, said: “Since Abbot Hall opened in the 1960s, a progressive spirit has been part of our DNA, championed by trailblazing early directors Helen Kapp and Mary Burkett.

“While our collection, like so many, features historic portraiture of the British landed gentry, a true home constantly evolves.

“In this spirit, we actively champion broader narratives – from exploring female empowerment in The Great Portrait to sharing Kurt Schwitters’ poignant portrait of a fellow WWII internee.

“Collaborating with Kendal Pride continues this legacy of offering a home to new voices. Welcoming the Pride Village to our grounds, alongside bold new commissions by Mathew Wayne Parkin and Miles Dyson inside the gallery, is an absolute thrill.

“This year’s theme, ‘this is home,’ captures our ultimate ambition: for Abbot Hall to be a dynamic, living space where everyone feels seen, celebrated, and completely at home.”

On Sunday, June 14, there’ll be a host of acoustic performances and a more chilled out vibe in the grounds of Abbot Hall to round off the weekend.

There’ll also be a special ‘Feast’ with free pies provided by Kendal Pride sponsor Westmorland Farm Shop on the Sunday, with people advised to book in advance.

Inside Abbot Hall, two new queer artist commissions by northern artists Mathew Wayne Parkin and Miles Dyson will be on show from this week until the end of June.

Their work includes drawing, painting, moving image and sculptural installation, and reflects a range of lived experience.

Elsewhere across the weekend there are more than 25 free activities including walks, runs, cycles, yoga, meditation, drum and dance workshops, an open water swim, and much more besides.

Grants from Kendal Town Council, the National Lottery Awards for All, and sponsorship from TryBooking, Westmorland Farmshop, Herdy, Douglass Grange accountants, Romney’s Kendal Mint Cake and Comida, have all helped to make the programme possible.

Tickets to the Big Pride Party are on sale now priced at £20.

For more information about Kendal Pride, the artist commissions, to sign up as a volunteer, or for email updates visit the website here