Rikki Beadle-Blair on stage under bright, colourful spotlights, wearing a white sleeveless outfit and holding a microphone. The audience is visible in the foreground, and a DJ stands behind a booth on the right, with a backdrop of twinkling star-like lights.

Kirklees Pride 2025: A Wrap-up

2025 June 13

Celebrating queer joy, community and unapologetic self-expression in Huddersfield.

On Saturday 7 June, Huddersfield came alive with colour, celebration and community spirit – and we’re proud to have been right in the middle of it.

As Pride returned to our town centre, the day was a powerful reminder of why visibility matters and why spaces that champion queer voices are more important than ever.

Right at the Heart of the Action on Queen Street

With the main stage just at the end of our road, our Courtyard became a buzzing hub of activity.

We kicked things off with a silent disco in our Courtyard, while local vendors filled our staff car park with stalls, food, drink and plenty of sparkle! Throughout the day we welcomed hundreds of you through our doors – and to our pop-up bar! Whether you were dancing, chilling in our Courtyard, or just soaking it all in around town, we loved seeing so many of you celebrating and making the day your own.

Two young children wearing headphones play with large, colourful rainbow balls at an outdoor event. One child wears a t-shirt that reads “LOVE IS LOVE” in rainbow colours, while people in the background, some draped in pride flags, watch and smile.

A lively crowd gathers outside the Lawrence Batley Theatre, decorated with rainbow bunting for a Pride celebration. Families, children, and attendees wearing colourful clothing and holding Pride flags mingle in front of the historic building, creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere.

Two smiling staff members give thumbs up from behind a bar decorated with rainbow bunting and colourful decorations. One wears a vibrant multicoloured jacket and face paint, while the other sports rainbow sunglasses. Both wear staff lanyards and stand beneath a canopy at an outdoor Pride event.

The Pride Ball: A Night of Queer Excellence

As the afternoon rolled on, it was time to head inside for something special on our main stage.

A truly unforgettable evening, The Pride Ball – hosted by the iconic Rikki Beadle-Blair and created in collaboration with the legendary House of Suarez – brought fierce fashion, movement and music to our main stage. A night rooted in Vogue performance, this was a celebration of self-expression and queer culture at its most powerful.

Time to Take to the Stage for Queen Street Collective

At the centre of it all were the incredible Queen Street Collective, a brand-new group of local LGBTQ+ people and allies, who once again took to our stage after performing in our community productions.

The performance as part of The Pride Ball was about more than stepping into the spotlight. In under ten rehearsals, the group challenged themselves to learn a completely new style of movement, diving into the foundations of Vogue and the rich culture it comes from. Together, they created something bold, authentic and full of pride.

A performer struts confidently across a stage in a rainbow-coloured fringe outfit under dramatic pink and purple stage lighting. She holds sunglasses in one hand, with a DJ playing in the background and a starry light backdrop adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

A dramatic stage scene where a central performer in a red and black costume stands tall with arms outstretched, surrounded by seated dancers reaching toward her.

A group of performers strike poses on stage under colourful lighting. One wears a rainbow-striped outfit and sunglasses, while others wear bold, contrasting outfits. A DJ is visible in the background.

Performers pose seated on stage under brilliant blue lighting, gazing toward the audience. Spectators clap and cheer, with one person holding a rainbow fan in the foreground.

They poured their heart and soul into every move and the performance was an incredible moment of visibility and joy. And we’re proud that Lawrence Batley Theatre continues to be a space where our community can return, grow and shine on stage.

Why This Matters

At Lawrence Batley Theatre, we believe in the power of performance to uplift, connect and create space for people to be seen and heard.

Representation isn't just a word, it's a promise. To open our doors to all. To celebrate queer lives on stage. And to stand in solidarity not just during Pride, but every day here at Lawrence Batley Theatre.

Kirklees Pride showed what that looks like in action – community, creativity and celebration, all in one place.

Members of the Lawrence Batley Theatre team bring the energy to the stage at The Pride Ball

The curator of The Pride Ball and our Creative Associate, Keisha Hamilton said:

“This will be one of the career highlights I remember forever. It was a dream of mine to make a Vogue Ball happen here. I am so grateful for the support, guidance and commitment from everyone involved. I think it is such an important time to have happened. The energy in the auditorium was electric and it truly was a celebration of our community – with everyone who wanted to, being visible on our stage and having their moment in the spotlight.”

Thank You

To everyone who was a part of Kirklees Pride. Whether you danced, performed or supported from the sidelines – thank you. You made Kirklees Pride unforgettable. We’ll see you next year!

Check out the gallery below.