ORGANISERS of Exeter Pride, which took place on Saturday, May 9, promised that this year’s event, its 18th, would be the biggest yet, and they were right!

Spectrum Choir singing on the main stage at Exeter Pride, video Alan Quick

The Westcountry Wasps Inclusive rugby team welcomed the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Anne Jobson, to its stand. AQ 0279
The Westcountry Wasps Inclusive rugby team welcomed the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Anne Jobson, to its stand. AQ 0279 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
The Exeter Pride dog show winners, judges and stewards. AQ 0326
The Exeter Pride dog show winners, judges and stewards. AQ 0326 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Street Heat took part in the March and performed in Northernhay Gardens at Exeter Pride. AQ 0188
Street Heat took part in the March and performed in Northernhay Gardens at Exeter Pride. AQ 0188 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Inclusive Exeter carried a banner in Exeter Pride March. AQ 0180
Inclusive Exeter carried a banner in Exeter Pride March. AQ 0180 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The annual celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer communities, the biggest free pride event in the South West, included a march and events and activities at various venues in the city, including Exeter Phoenix, RAMM and Exeter Library.

Exeter Pride chairman Russell Back gave a passionate speech to declare the event open, video Alan Quick

Billie and Louie performed on the main stage at Exeter Pride. AQ 0383
Billie and Louie performed on the main stage at Exeter Pride. AQ 0383 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
The front of the Exeter Pride March making its way down Fore Street in Exeter. AQ 0137
The front of the Exeter Pride March making its way down Fore Street in Exeter. AQ 0137 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
One of the drag performers on the main stage at Exeter Pride. AQ 0211
One of the drag performers on the main stage at Exeter Pride. AQ 0211 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The march route was doubled to accommodate the 6,000 people who took part and as well as Northernhay Gardens, a second park, Rougemont Gardens also hosted events. It is anticipated that more than 10,000 people attended events during the day.

Twin singing duo Billie and Louie, whose perfect harmonies stunned The Voice UK crowd were a favourite at Exeter Pride, video Alan Quick

Some of the Spectrum Choir singers on the main stage at Exeter Pride. AQ 0235
Some of the Spectrum Choir singers on the main stage at Exeter Pride. AQ 0235 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Ambulance staff with the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Anne Jobson at Exeter Pride. AQ 0262
Ambulance staff with the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Anne Jobson at Exeter Pride. AQ 0262 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service staff with the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Anne Jobson at Exeter Pride. AQ 0267
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service staff with the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Anne Jobson at Exeter Pride. AQ 0267 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

A diverse range of entertainment was performed on two stages, including choirs and drag performances, other events and activities including a dog show, workshops, dancing, and more than 100 stalls.

Ceilidh dancing at Exeter Pride, video Alan Quick

The front of the Exeter Pride march 2026, video Alan Quick

Devon Air Ambulance staff with the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Anne Jobson, left, at Exeter Pride. AQ 0272
Devon Air Ambulance staff with the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Anne Jobson, left, at Exeter Pride. AQ 0272 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Folk performers led ceilidh dancing at Exeter Pride. AQ 0340
Folk performers led ceilidh dancing at Exeter Pride. AQ 0340 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Drag performer Cleotoris on the main stage at Exeter Pride. AQ 0390
Drag performer Cleotoris on the main stage at Exeter Pride. AQ 0390 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

It proved to be a fantastic celebration of diversity, inclusion, being yourself and community with an amazing atmosphere, with so many people showing their Pride loud and proud!

How Deep is Your Love by Spectrum Choir at Exeter Pride, video Alan Quick

Avtar Indian Dance entertained in Exeter Pride march. AQ 0154
Avtar Indian Dance entertained in Exeter Pride march. AQ 0154 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Exeter Pride chairman Russell Back during his speech on the main stage. AQ 0193
Exeter Pride chairman Russell Back during his speech on the main stage. AQ 0193 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Melissa Brooks from Trans Pride Exeter during their speech on the main stage. AQ 0198
Melissa Brooks from Trans Pride Exeter during their speech on the main stage. AQ 0198 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Councillor Zoe Hughes during their speech on the main stage at Exeter Pride. AQ 0200
Councillor Zoe Hughes during their speech on the main stage at Exeter Pride. AQ 0200 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Fighting with Pride had a stall, pictured with the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Anne Jobson. AQ 0276
Fighting with Pride had a stall, pictured with the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Anne Jobson. AQ 0276 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Exeter Pride organisers and volunteers, BSL interpreters and security on stage. AQ 0406
Exeter Pride organisers and volunteers, BSL interpreters and security on stage. AQ 0406 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)