BEHIND THE SCENES AT BIRMINGHAM PRIDE: HOW WE HELP MAKE IT HAPPEN
By Julia Robison, BID Manager, Southside District
Ever year, Birmingham Pride grows in scale and spirit – and we’re proud to be part of the team that helps make it one of the safest, cleanest and most welcoming festivals in the UK.
As the city reflects on one of its biggest celebrations of the year, our team at Southside District have been hard at work behind the scenes. Birmingham Pride isn’t just a weekend – it's a full-scale operation that takes weeks of preparation, coordination and care. And we’re proud to say this is our 14th year supporting this iconic event.
Preparing the District
In the lead-up to Pride, we conduct a full street audit to ensure the area in clean, safe and ready to welcome over 50,000 visitors. We work closely with partners to complete any outstanding works, remove graffiti tags, and deep clean our public spaces – especially around Hurst Street and the Arcadian.
We also communicate road closures and event information to local residents and businesses ensuring everyone knows what to expect, and how to navigate the weekend.
Keeping the community informed
Clear communication is key. In the days before the festival, we continue to update businesses and residents with the latest information, helping them prepare for the influx of visitors and changes to access routes.
Pride Festival Map
Supporting celebrations safely
From Friday to Sunday, our team is on the ground providing a welcoming presence to everyone arriving in Southside – whether they’re here for Pride, Chinatown, or the vibrant nightlife. Our warden team even has the honour of helping lead the Pride parade as it enters Hurst Street.
We work hand-in-hand with public and private partners to keep the area clean, safe and inclusive throughout the weekend. The Safe Space in Arcadian, operated by St John’s Ambulance, is available throughout the event for those needing support.
The Village Inn
Pride by the Number
70,000+ visitors to Southside District over the weekend
97 staff hours worked by our 6-person team
100+ bags of litter collected
14 years of Pride support and counting
Southside: The Home of Festivals
Birmingham Pride is now one of the only city centre festivals still going strong – and that’s thanks in part to the continued support of our BID. We’re incredibly proud to have welcomed the world and host a world-class event that celebrates love, identity and community in the heart of Birmingham.
