A beautiful lesbian young couple gently lovingly embraces and holds a rainbow flag, equal rights for lgbt community,

Celebrate Pride around Europe with Stena Line

This summer, rainbow flags will fly in cities throughout the world to honour the LGBTQ+ community during annual Pride events. Combining activism, celebration and community, these events often include colourful parades, live music, exhibits and much more. 

 

Our ferry routes offer a fantastic way to get to some of Europe's best Pride celebrations. Below, you’ll find every Pride festival taking place in cities we call home – or within a short drive from our ports. Sail with us into the heart of Pride Month and beyond for an experience at sea where “all aboard” truly means all are welcome.

 

***Every effort has been made to ensure information is correct at the time of publication. Please check directly with organisers before booking or travelling to any Pride event as details may change.***

Header
PRIDE IN GREAT BRITAIN
Body

Pride Cymru

Date: 17–18 June

Distance from our Fishguard terminal: 183km 

Cardiff's Pride Cymru is promoting equality and diversity this year with a two-day music festival and market, and of course a much-loved Pride Parade on Saturday 17 June. Get yourself to Cardiff Castle for performances by The Feeling, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Claire (from Steps) Richards amongst many more!

Book your ferry from Rosslare to Fishguard.

 

Pride Edinburgh

Date: 24 June 

Distance from our Cairnryan terminal: 202km 

 

After a scaled-back event in 2022 due to Covid-19, Scotland’s longest running celebration of diversity, Pride Edinburgh, is back in all its glory. More details to be announced soon. 

Book your ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan.

 

Pride in London  

Date: 1 July 

Distance from our Harwich terminal: 137km 

Distance from our Liverpool terminal: 373km 
 

Last year, Pride in London put on a spectacular show, bringing together more than 1.5 million people to celebrate across five central London stages. Event organisers are looking to build on this success in 2023, especially by building relationships with LGBT+ grassroots communities. More details to be released shortly.

Book your ferry from Hook of Holland to Harwich or Belfast to Liverpool.

 

Pride Glasgow 

Date: 15 July 

Distance from our Cairnryan terminal: 130km   

In 2022, Glasgow Pride hosted the biggest Pride March in Scottish history. In 2023, organisers are hoping to have even more impact, with a theme that celebrates the women of the LGBTQ+ community and movement. More details to be announced soon.

Book your ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan.

 

Norwich Pride

Date: 29 July

Distance from our Harwich terminal: 118km

Norwich Pride’s focus this year is on delivering an event that mixes wellbeing with lively entertainment – all to support and showcase the talents of the local LGBTQ+ community. Alongside the main parade, enjoy acoustic stages, live performances, a Makers’ Market, a Pride art exhibition, DJs, an education hub and a food and drinks area. The medieval city of Norwich is a short drive from the Stena Line terminal in Harwich, linking Europe to England’s east coast.

Book your ferry from the Hook of Holland to Harwich.

 

Chester Pride

Date: 19 August 

Distance from our Liverpool terminal: 30km 

Distance from Holyhead terminal: 134km 

Chester Pride is painting the city rainbow this year, with a fantastic parade through the city centre – make sure to look out for our Stena Line participants! Continue the party at Castle Square, where four stages will host an array of music, Runway Drag, Glitterlounge cabaret and burlesque entertainment. There’s also a full programme of family-friendly entertainment as part of the Youth Pride event.

Book your ferry from Belfast to Liverpool or from Dublin to Holyhead.

Image
Unrecognizable backlit crowd with rainbows flags and signs in the annual Pride Parade as it passes through Greenwich Village.
Image caption
Related article
Quick Facts
Facilities
Header
PRIDE IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Body

Belfast Pride

Date: 21–30 July 

Distance from our Belfast terminal: 3.2km

 

One of the city’s biggest festivals, Belfast Pride brightens up the city with over 150 events, including the centrepiece Pride Parade on Saturday 29 July. Both a protest and a celebration, Belfast Pride is the main event in the city’s LGBTQ+ calendar and a truly cross-community event that Stena Line is proud to take part in – make sure to give us a wave! For more fun, visit the Pride Village at the Big Fish on Donegall Quay and join in the party at nearby Custom House Square.

 

Book your ferry from Liverpool to Belfast or Cairnryan to Belfast.

Image
Two women friends hanging out in the city waving LGBT with pride flag
Image caption
Related article
Quick Facts
Facilities
Header
PRIDE IN IRELAND
Body

Dublin Pride Festival

Date: 20–25 June, with events throughout the month. 
Distance from our Dublin terminal: 6.6km 

It is a big year for Dublin Pride Festival as it celebrates 50 years since the first LGBQT+ group was set up in Dublin, 40 years since the first protest march, and 30 years since homosexuality was decriminalised in Ireland. The city is super easy to reach from the Stena Line terminal, and you’ll soon be enjoying festival highlights such as the Dublin Pride Parade on Saturday 24 June, the Pride village at Merrion Square and the Mother Pride Bloq Party.  

Book your ferry from Holyhead to Dublin

 

Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival

Date: 30 July–6 August 
Distance from our Rosslare terminal: 191km 

Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival returns in 2023 with a programme bursting with events and activities to support the LGBT+ community. The week-long festivities will finish in an eruption of everything rainbow on Sunday 6 August, when the colourful Pride Parade takes to the streets of the city. Make the most of your travels by exploring Ireland’s stunning southern coastline while you are there. 

Book your ferry from Fishguard to Rosslare or Cherbourg to Rosslare.

Image
White man smiling and showing placard during pride parade at city street
Image caption
Related article
Quick Facts
Facilities
Header
PRIDE IN THE NETHERLANDS
Body

Rotterdam Pride

Date: 1–11 June 

Distance from our Hoek van Holland terminal: 30km 

 

Holland’s second-largest city is within easy reach of Stena Line’s Hook of Holland terminal. Make the trip to join in the 10th anniversary of Rotterdam Pride and you’ll discover a perfectly balanced mix of glitzy entertainment and thought-provoking discussion. From ballroom showcases, drag brunches and catwalk lessons to Pride Talks that take on topics such as queer masculinity, body image, families and connecting generations, Rotterdam Pride has it covered. A full programme of events organised by community partners will accompany the festival.

 

Book your ferry from Harwich to the Hook of Holland.

 

Amsterdam Pride

Date: 1–6 August

Distance from our Hoek van Holland terminal: 82km

 

The fabulous Amsterdam Pride has become one of the most iconic gay events in world. Watch the floating Canal Parade from the bridges and riverbanks, join the street parties at Amstelveld, Dam square or Rembrandtplein, and take in the many arts and cultural events that complement the carnival atmosphere. From open-air cinemas, photography exhibitions and theatre performances to a Senior Pride concert that honours pink pioneers, Pride Amsterdam is a vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.

 

Book your ferry from Harwich to the Hook of Holland.

Image
Young people celebrating pride while sitting together. Four members of the LGBTQ+ community smiling cheerfully while raising the pride flag. Group of queer individuals celebrating together outdoors.
Image caption
Related article
Quick Facts
Facilities
Header
PRIDE IN SWEDEN
Body

West Pride Gothenburg

Date: 5–11 June 

Distance from our Gothenburg terminal: 1.7km 

Western Sweden’s biggest Pride event is a city-wide celebration of the LGBTQ+ community featuring the iconic parade (10 June) and Pride Park, plus concerts, competitions and exhibits at museums throughout the city. This year, West Pride coincides with Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary celebration, making our home city a prime destination for a summer full of activities.  

Book your ferry from Kiel to Gothenburg or Frederikshavn to Gothenburg

 

Malmö Pride

Dates: 5–8 July
Distance from our Trelleborg terminal: 33km

Located a short 30-minute drive from our Trelleborg Port, bustling Malmö’s annual Pride festival brings southwest Sweden’s Skåne region together to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. The event centres around the Pride House and includes parties, workshops and a closing day parade and party and more. Additionally, a Youth Pride festival takes place from 5-9 July. 

Book your ferry from Rostock to Trelleborg.

 

Stockholm Pride

Date: 1–8 August
Distance from our Nynäshamn terminal: 57.6km

Take a short drive from our Nynäshamn port this August and immerse yourself in Sweden’s biggest Pride celebration as Stockholm celebrates its 25th anniversary in grand style. The citywide event includes author talks, international exhibits, workshops, concerts, performances, the free Pride House and more leading up to what is sure to be a Pride parade to remember. 

Book your ferry from Ventspils to Nynäshamn.

 

Karlskrona Pride

Date: 12 August
Distance from our Karlskrona terminal: 12km 

A baroque maritime treasure on Sweden’s southeast coast, Karlskrona’s storied naval history has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This year, the LGBTQ+ community is making its own history with the 10th annual Karlskrona Pride parade, which will march through the winding streets of this gorgeous seaside city in August. 

Book your ferry from Gdynia to Karlskrona

 

Lund Pride

Date: 19–26 August
Distance from our Trelleborg terminal: 44km
Distance from our Halmstad terminal: 127km

A scenic 45-minute drive from Trelleborg and 90 minutes south of Halmstad, the medieval university town of Lund offers a fairytale backdrop during its week-long Pride celebration. Along with the city’s parade, the festival includes drag performances, concerts and much more. 

Book your ferry from Rostock to Trelleborg or Grenaa to Halmstad.

Image
Supporting hands make heart sign and wave in front of a rainbow flags flying on a float of a summer gay pride parade
Image caption
Related article
Quick Facts
Facilities
Header
PRIDE IN DENMARK
Body

Aarhus Pride

Date: 24 June 
Distance from our Grenaa terminal: 66km

Denmark’s second-largest city is less than an hour’s drive from our port in Grenaa, and the annual Pride parade is a great reason to get to know this beautiful and artistic city. The parade winds through the city before arriving “under the rainbow” at Musikhusparken, where the party continues with food, drinks and more.

Book your ferry from Halmstad to Grenaa.

Image
People wave LGBTQ gay pride flags at a solidarity march
Image caption
Related article
Quick Facts
Facilities
Header
PRIDE IN GERMANY
Body

Christopher Street Day Kiel

Date: 8 July
Distance from our Kiel terminal: 500m

Kiel commemorates Christopher Street Day with its annual parade through the streets of this historic maritime city. This year, the chosen anti-discrimination slogan “STOP - Don't step back!” takes centre stage. The parade following a full week of events centred on the LGBTQ+ community, including readings, parties, karaoke nights and much, much more.  

Book your ferry from Gothenburg to Kiel.

 

Hamburg Pride

Date: 29 July – 6 August
Distance from our Kiel terminal: 97km
Distance from our Rostock Terminal: 199km

Always-energetic Hamburg is aglow during its annual Pride week, and getting there to partake in the festivities from Rostock or Kiel is incredibly easy. Once you arrive, you’ll experience a full week’s worth of activities in one of Germany’s most exciting cities. And once the Christopher Street Demonstration kicks off 5 August, more than 100,000 people are expected to take to the streets in unity to combat transphobia.

Book your ferry from Gothenburg to Kiel or Trelleborg to Rostock.

 

Lübeck Pride

Date: 19 August
Distance from our Kiel terminal: 86km
Distance from our Rostock terminal: 131km

Germany's remarkably preserved medieval city provides a surreal historic backdrop for one of northern Germany's largest Christopher Street Day parades and demonstrations. Check back with the Lübeck Pride website for more details closer to the event. 

Book your ferry from Gothenburg to Kiel or Trelleborg to Rostock.

Image
LGBT Madrid Pride Parade participants, AI generative LGBTQ festival illustration
Image caption
Related article
Quick Facts
Facilities
TAGGED
  • Pride

templates.guide-pages.related-destinations-title

Customer Service

Do you have questions or need help with your booking? Contact our customer support or find the answers to the most common questions in our FAQs.