The organisers of Banbury Pride have asked the LGBTQ+ community, local residents and business owners to help shape the future of the popular celebration.

Anyone wishing to get involved with next year’s Pride is invited to attend a public meeting at Banbury Town Hall from 7pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, September 30.

Organisers of the event, which returns on Saturday, May 29, 2027, are hoping the next celebration will be the biggest and best yet.

Alongside growing Banbury Pride, they also hope to build greater LGBTQ+ community connections across Banbury and the surrounding area.

Banbury Pride organisers have asked the community to help shape the future of the celebration. (James Nimmo)

placeholder image — Banbury Pride organisers have asked the community to help shape the future of the celebration. (James Nimmo)

Rebecca Bell, co-chair of Banbury Pride, said: “We already know one thing for certain: Banbury Pride will be back in 2027.

“We want to open up the conversation and hear from the community. What would people like to see? What can we do better? Who else should be involved? And what would make people want to come into Banbury and be part of Pride?

“Pride will always have the LGBTQ+ community at its heart. But it is also an opportunity to bring people together and celebrate the differences that make our communities vibrant and welcoming places to live, work and visit.”

Everyone is invited to the meeting, but Banbury Pride organisers are particularly keen to hear from members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

They also welcome community and voluntary organisations, charities, businesses and anyone who wants to play a part in “making Banbury an inclusive and welcoming place”.

The previous two Pride celebrations have been centred around Butcher’s Row and, while organisers intend to retain that for 2027, they are also looking at expanding the event into the Market Place.

To help grow the event while keeping it free, Banbury Pride is looking for local and regional businesses to get involved through sponsorship or partnership opportunities.

Rebecca Bell added: “Banbury Pride is free to attend, and we want to keep it that way. The support of businesses, organisations and individuals is incredibly important.

“For businesses, this isn’t simply about putting a logo on an event. It is an opportunity to stand alongside the LGBTQ+ community and demonstrate very visibly that everyone is welcome in Banbury.”

To contact Banbury Pride’s organising committee, email: [email protected]