Knowsley Pride returns on Saturday 19th July 2025 with a borough-wide programme celebrating LGBTQIA+ pride, community and visibility — culminating in two flagship events: Knowsley Pride: Court Hey Park and Pride in Prescot at Shakespeare North Playhouse.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural Pride event, organisers were eager to bring Knowsley Pride back — bigger, brighter, and with even more opportunities for local people to get involved.
This year’s expanded celebration will see activity taking place across the borough in the week leading up to the main events, supported by funding through the Michael Causer Fund Small Grants Scheme. These projects, delivered by local VCFSE organisations, offer inclusive activities focused on creativity, wellbeing, and LGBTQIA+ visibility.
The 2025 programme continues to honour the legacy of Michael Causer, a gay teenager from Whiston who was tragically murdered in a homophobic attack in 2008. Seventeen years on, the Pride events aim to promote acceptance, solidarity, and community resilience in his memory.
Racheal Jones, CEO of One Knowsley, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to announce the expanded programme for Knowsley Pride 2025, which includes borough-wide events, two main celebrations, and the continued support of the Michael Causer Fund.
Thanks to this funding, local organisations can deliver meaningful, community-led Pride projects across the week — helping people feel seen, valued, and connected. Michael’s legacy lives on through these initiatives, and through the growing support for Pride in Knowsley.”
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council said:
“I am absolutely delighted that Knowsley’s Pride celebrations this year have been expanded and I really hope that the range of activities on offer will help to attract more people to get involved.
“Pride is a wonderful celebration of diversity and community spirit and aligns perfectly with the principles of Knowsley Better Together. I am sure that this is something the whole community will want to support – ensuring we create a Knowsley Pride Festival to be proud of.”
Two Main Events: Court Hey Park and Prescot
The day itself will begin with Knowsley Pride: Court Hey Park, an outdoor event from 12–2pm featuring live entertainment, community stalls, performances, and activities designed to celebrate identity, visibility and inclusion.
The event will be hosted by Paul Doyle, alongside House of Suarez, who will bring energy, creativity, and inclusive entertainment to the day. The programme will include dance performances from House of Suarez and accessible dance workshops for all the family, encouraging everyone to take part and express themselves.
Darren Suarez, Artistic Director at House of Suarez, said:
“We’re proud to be part of Knowsley Pride, a vibrant, family-friendly celebration that brings the community together in the spirit of inclusion and joy.
We’ll be running accessible dance workshops for all the family throughout the day, inviting everyone to express themselves, and be part of the fun.”
From 2pm onwards, celebrations will continue with Pride in Prescot — a cultural and creative programme delivered in partnership with Shakespeare North Playhouse and Sahir. Activities will include workshops, artistic performances, and a powerful soapbox moment in the Ken Dodd Performance Garden, culminating in an evening of LGBTQIA+ storytelling and theatre. The workshops at Shakespeare North Playhouse are for people aged 18+.
Lisa Allen, CEO and Creative Director at Shakespeare North Playhouse, said:
“Pride is such an important moment for our community to come together — to celebrate, reflect and show up for one another. We’re excited to host an incredible line-up of performances and activities that shine a spotlight on LGBTQIA+ voices, including the fabulous Sister Sister from BBC’s Drag Race UK.
At Shakespeare North, we’re proud to be a space where everyone’s voice matters — and we can’t wait to welcome people of all ages to Prescot this July.”
Knowsley Pride 2025 is made possible through the support of key partners, local organisations and generous sponsors. Special thanks go to Livv Housing Group and Morecrofts Solicitors for their continued commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the borough.
Ant Hopkins, CEO of Sahir added:
“At Sahir, Pride is more than a celebration — it’s a declaration. It’s about visibility, voice, and unapologetic authenticity. We’re proud to partner with Shakespeare North Playhouse for Pride in Prescot to create a space where LGBTQ+ stories aren’t just heard, they’re celebrated — loudly, creatively, and without compromise.
We’re working with local creatives and performers to deliver a number of workshops, cultivating in a demo hour, bringing bold energy with our soapbox.
This day is about honouring our history whilst igniting a future built on equity and joy. We believe in the power of art to spark dialogue, challenge norms, and remind us that queer lives are vibrant, valid, and vital.”
Download the full Pride programme below:
