Wigan Pride 2026 – parade times, entertainment and everything you need to know
Wigan town centre will be filled with colour on Saturday 8 August as Wigan Pride returns for 2026, bringing one of the borough’s biggest celebrations back for another year.
Thousands of people are expected to head into the town centre for a packed day of celebrations, including the Pride parade, live entertainment, local performers and family-friendly activities.
The event is completely free, with no tickets required, and everyone is welcome to come along and join in. Last year’s Pride celebrations helped attract more than 54,000 people , and another busy day is expected as people from across Wigan and further afield come together to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
One of the biggest highlights of the day will be the Wigan Pride parade, which is due to set off at 11am. It will make its way through the town centre towards Mesnes Park before returning to Believe Square, with rainbow flags, music, colourful outfits and plenty of Pride spirit expected along the route.
Anyone hoping to watch may want to get into Wigan early to find a good spot before it gets underway.
There will also be a very Wigan addition to this year’s celebrations, with the debut of a brand-new drag queen, Madame Mint Ball.
Madame Mint Ball has been created through a collaboration between one of Wigan’s oldest companies, Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls, and local upcycling CIC ReDoo. Thousands of Uncle Joe’s Mint Ball wrappers have been used to create a spectacular costume for the new drag artist, who will parade through the streets of Wigan as part of Saturday’s celebrations.
Madame Mint Ball will also be handing out free Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls.
Once the parade is over, the entertainment will continue throughout the afternoon, with two stages hosting performers in Wigan town centre.
The Unity Stage will host professional performers from 12pm until 5pm, while the stage at Believe Square will showcase local talent and up-and-coming artists from 12.15pm until 4.15pm.
There will be family-friendly entertainment and activities taking place throughout the event, giving people of all ages plenty to see and do. A Quiet Area will also be available for anyone who needs some time away from the crowds, providing somewhere to take a break before heading back out to enjoy the celebrations. The event is open to everyone, whether you are part of the LGBTQ+ community or not. Wigan Pride is organised by a committee of volunteers with support from Wigan Council, with Calisen returning as headline sponsor for the second year.
Wigan Pride 2026 Event times – at a glance
• 11am – Wigan Pride parade sets off through Wigan town centre, heading towards Mesnes Park before returning to Believe Square.
• 12pm – Live entertainment begins on the Unity Stage, featuring professional artists.
• 12.15pm – The Believe Square Stage gets underway, showcasing local talent and young up-and-coming performers.
• Throughout the afternoon – Pride entertainment and family-friendly activities continue around Wigan town centre.
• 4.15pm – Entertainment on the Believe Square Stage finishes.
• 5pm – Entertainment on the Unity Stage finishes.
After that too, don’t forget all your town centre bars and businesses are open, so a great chance to show your support, especially after the fire at The John Bull this week.
These businesses have really shone, so be good to give them some love, again.
For more info on Wigan Pride, click here.
