A new community-led LGBTQ+ festival is set to launch this July.
Taking place in Waltham Forest, the festival will run from July 6 to 18 and aims to celebrate queer culture, creativity and community through two weeks of borough-wide events.
Waltham Forest Pride 2026 will feature workshops, exhibitions, film screenings, discussions, drag performances, cabaret and nightlife.
Events will take place across Walthamstow, Leyton, Leytonstone, Highams Park and Chingford.
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The Mayor of Waltham Forest, Cllr Marcelo Hart-Camus, said: "Let’s celebrate our LGBTQ+ community and their contribution to our borough."
The festival is organised by the Waltham Forest Pride Collective in partnership with Walthamstow Trades Hall.
Other organisations supporting the event include elop, CADOS, Walthamstow Wetlands, Forest Cinemas, local artists, independent venues and community groups. Opening and closing celebrations will be held at Walthamstow Trades Hall.
The programme also includes a community photography and storytelling exhibition, a queer botany walk at Walthamstow Wetlands, and zine-making and art workshops. Visitors can also enjoy poetry, spoken word, live performances and family-friendly activities.
Waltham Forest Pride 2026 is supported by Waltham Forest Council’s Fellowship Fund.
Residents can find more information and book tickets on the Waltham Forest Pride Collective website.
As part of this year’s events, the collective is inviting residents to take part in a photography project titled Queer Lives of Waltham Forest. The project aims to celebrate LGBTQ+ life in the borough and will culminate in a public exhibition at multiple venues during the festival.
The deadline for submissions is June 30. Information on how to participate is available on the Waltham Forest Pride Collective website.
In addition to the pride festival, Waltham Forest libraries are hosting children’s craft sessions throughout June in all eight library locations, with registration available via Eventbrite.
The Mayor of Waltham Forest has also named elop (East London Out Project) as one of their chosen charities for the year. Donations can be made through the Mayor’s Just Giving page.
Residents can also access events and support by searching for LGBT events on the Waltham Forest Council website.
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