June brings rainbow flags, vibrant celebrations, and an incredible sense of community to Islington as Pride Month arrives in full swing.
Our wonderful borough has always been a beacon of inclusivity and acceptance, making it the perfect place to honour LGBTQ+ history. This year Islington offers some unforgettable pride events that celebrate love, diversity, and belonging, from cooking classes to art exhibitions, there’s something for everyone this June. With that in mind, here are our top event picks for celebrating pride month in Islington, that you simply shouldn’t miss.
Rainbow Streets
Step into the breath-taking Union Chapel for an exhibition that combines artistic excellence with powerful storytelling about LGBTQ+ experiences throughout history. On June 17th, from 1 – 2pm, Rainbow Streets will be presenting artwork co-produced with local students showcasing local queer trailblazers, communities, and heritage all inspired by Islington’s Local History Centre’s wonderful collection of Pride archives.
The archive volunteers have been able to reveal a wealth of LGBTQIA+ legacy – including gay youth clubs, inspirational local heroes, same-sex marriages, and more. The artworks will be displayed from the ceiling of the Chapel’s iconic Upper Hall, accompanied by a soundtrack of attendees’ favourite LGBTQIA+ musical artists.
This remarkable venue, with its stunning Gothic architecture and incredible acoustics, is sure to make the perfect backdrop for an event that honours both the struggles and triumphs of the community, and will leave you feeling both educated and inspired.
Cooking with Pride
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into a culinary adventure that combines delicious food with meaningful connections. The St Luke’s Community Centre hosts an absolutely delightful cooking event that brings together people from all walks of life to share recipes, stories, and laughter. For Pride Month they will be cooking up Japanese cuisine. But this hands-on experience goes far beyond simply preparing meals together.
Their Cooking with Pride event will be held on June 24th between 6 – 9 pm when participants can gather in the welcoming kitchen space, where professional chefs guide everyone through creating mouth-watering dishes. Here, local ingredients take centre stage, supporting nearby businesses while creating fresh, seasonal dishes that everyone can enjoy regardless of dietary preferences or restrictions.
Experienced home cooks work alongside complete beginners, and everyone learns something new while contributing their own unique perspective to the shared meal. The evening even concludes with everyone sitting together to enjoy the fruits of their collaborative labour, creating lasting memories over plates filled with love and creativity. And don’t forget to wear your brightest rainbow colours and bring your favourite LGBTQ+ to add to their playlist.
Rainbow Paddlers
Experience the tranquillity of London’s waterways while connecting with fellow community members at a local LGBTQ+ paddling group. The Pirate Castle offers something truly unique with Rainbow Paddlers, the first and only Paddle UK club in the country dedicated exclusively to providing weekly paddlesport sessions for LGBTQ+ adults.
Every Friday evening, participants gather along the stunning Regent’s Canal for an adventure that combines physical activity with social connection. Their pride month event will be held on June 27th from 5:30-7:30pm, offering the ideal way to transition from the working week into weekend relaxation.
The beautiful waterway provides a peaceful escape from the urban hustle, creating the perfect environment for both seasoned paddlers and complete beginners to learn together. Professional instructors ensure everyone feels comfortable and confident on the water, no matter your skill level!
Club de Fromage Pride Party
Prepare yourself for an absolutely electrifying night of music, dancing, and pure joy at one of Islington’s most beloved venues. On July 5th, Club de Fromage will transform the O2 Academy Islington, into a wonderland of cheesy pop hits and outrageous singalongs for everyone to enjoy.
This raucous club night celebrates everything wonderfully ridiculous about pop music, from guilty pleasure to iconic dance anthems. The DJ spins an incredible mix of tracks that span decades, ensuring everyone finds their moment to shine on the dance floor. Glitter, rainbow accessories, and fabulous outfits are highly encouraged, but the only real requirement is bringing your enthusiasm and readiness to have an amazing time celebrating Pride Month.
What sets this event apart is its commitment to creating a safe, inclusive space where everyone can express themselves freely. The venue staff and organisers work hard to ensure every person feels welcome and celebrated. Between the incredible music, stunning light shows, and the most enthusiastic crowd you’ll ever encounter, this night promises to be an unforgettable highlight of your Pride Month celebrations.
Join the Celebration
Celebrating Pride Month in Islington offers incredible opportunities to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories with the community. These three events represent just a taste of what makes our borough such a special place during June.
Whether you’re cooking up a storm, dancing to your favourite pop hits, or learning about Islington’s rich LGBTQ+ history, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people who celebrate authenticity and love in all its forms.
Looking for more tips on what to do in Angel?
Then check out our Angel Islington Summer Series. An expertly curated list of amazing places to visit and things to do, that’s sure to keep you busy all summer long.
At the BDC we are very proud to be a part of the thriving Islington community. If you would like to find out more about what events we have coming up, then find out more on our What’s On page.
