Our Impact
As well as staging an annual LGBTQIA+ event, our purpose is to promote equality and diversity for the public benefit and in particular the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. Including in particular but not exclusively by raising awareness, engaging with the community, celebrating the diversity of LGBTQIA+ communities and advancing education.
105,000+
People have attended Pride since 2008
102k
Raised over the years to help keep Pride a FREE event
15,000
People
attended Swindon & Wiltshire Pride throughout the day
in 2025!
LARGEST LGBTQIA+ event in Wiltshire
September 2024 - 2025
Swindon Recovery Festival
Swindon Recovery Festival
The Swindon Recovery Festival, held in Town Gardens, celebrates recovery and community with music, games, sober socialising, and support services. It’s a family-friendly day of connection, hosted by Swindon Borough Council and local partners.
We were proud to attend with our Pride stall—sparking conversations, sharing support guides, and raising funds for Swindon & Wiltshire Pride.
Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR)
Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR)
Rev Rach, a long-time supporter of Swindon & Wiltshire Pride, led a short Act of Remembrance to honour the lives lost to anti-trans violence and discrimination.
It was a heartfelt evening of reflection and solidarity as we mark the eve of TDOR. This day serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing fight for trans rights and the need to stand against hatred and injustice in all its forms.
New College
We attended New College Freshers Fair, welcoming in the new and current students back. We joined a range of different groups and organisations to promote what we do and what support is available. We gave our support guides, talked though volunteering opportunities and students had a chance to win Pride Goodies.
Fundraising Success: Thank You to The Brunel
Swindon & Wiltshire Pride would like to thank The Brunel Shopping Centre for their fundraising efforts throughout August. Through bucket collections and face painting by Dani’s Doodles, The Brunel community raised an incredible £189.11 in support of the charity.
These funds will contribute directly to the delivery of the annual Pride event, alongside year-round community outreach, support services, and the continued operation of the Pride Hub.
Since relocating to The Brunel in July, the Pride team has enjoyed becoming part of the centre’s vibrant community and meeting so many supportive visitors. The Pride Hub is open every Saturday from 11:00am to 4:00pm.
Pride in Gloucestershire
Swindon & Wiltshire Pride attended Gloucestershire’s annual Pride event, continuing our commitment to supporting and connecting with communities beyond Swindon.
Our stall featured Pride merchandise, helping us to raise much-needed funds for the charity, as well as LGBTQIA+ support guides, which we handed out throughout the day.
Taking part in local Prides allows us to extend our reach, promote inclusivity, and provide resources to those who may benefit from them. We were proud to be part of such a vibrant and welcoming celebration.
Witney Pride
Swindon & Wiltshire Pride attended Witney Pride with our Pride stall, bringing colour and visibility to the celebrations.
We promoted the date of our upcoming August event, sold Pride merchandise to raise vital funds, and distributed support guides to those who wanted them.
The day provided a fantastic opportunity to engage with the community, share information, and celebrate together. We were delighted to meet so many people and to be part of such a welcoming and inclusive event.
Lawn Manor Academy Spring Fair
Swindon & Wiltshire Pride were delighted to be invited to Lawn Manor Academy’s Spring Fair. We brought along our Pride merchandise to help raise funds, shared support guides for anyone who wanted them, and were on hand to answer questions.
It was a fantastic day filled with community spirit, conversation, and plenty of smiles.
Lunch & Learn with UKSBS
On the run-up to Pride, we joined UKSBS (UK Shared Business Services) for a brilliant Lunch & Learn—sharing LGBTQIA+ support guides, selling Pride merch, and showcasing flag info to 20+ attendees.
Funds raised go straight to supporting our charity!
My Town, My Shirt - Visiting Swindon Town FC
What a great evening at Swindon Town Football Club, where the new 2025/26 kit was revealed as well as the new campaign of “My Town, My Shirt” showing the beautiful diversity of football and its fans!
Can you spot us?! And our iconic rainbow walk! Thank you for asking us to be involved and show that you can be part of the LGBTQIA + community and still love the beautiful game!
Thank you to everyone involved, the team, photographers and videographers, and of course our volunteers for taking part, because it’s our volunteers that make Swindon and Wiltshire Pride
Armed Forces Day in Lydiard Park
We were excited to be invited to Armed Forces Day in Swindon as part of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. We brought along our Pride merch to help us fundraise for Pride, gave our leaflets promoting Pride on Saturday 9th August and support guides.
It was a pleasure to connect with everyone who came along to see us
Swindon & Wiltshire Pride at Goddard Park School
“Growing up, I would have loved to see LGBT+ inclusion celebrated in schools- it would have made such a difference in feeling seen, supported and accepted”- Jonathan Bailey
We were invited by Goddard Park School again for the second year for the Year 6’s, to support their work around the curriculum where they celebrate individuality, acceptance and knowledge around more than just pride but important events such as Black History Month and Neurodiversity Awareness Month.
We were there to be able to answer so many different questions around Swindon and Wiltshire Pride itself, the history of pride around Stonewall, why pride is banned in so many countries as well as how to support those in the community. There was thought and care in each of their questions and it is always a privilege to be a part of, and seeing what they have been up to!
Thank you for having us!
Flying with Pride to Mark the End of Pride Month
To celebrate the final week of Pride Month, fire stations across Swindon will be flying the Pride Progress Flag – a powerful symbol of inclusion, solidarity, and support.
We’re especially proud to see our very own Swindon & Wiltshire Pride flag flying high at the iconic Magic Roundabout – a bold statement of visibility and love at the heart of our community.
Thank you to our local fire stations for being such proud allies and helping us keep the spirit of Pride alive all year round.
A Powerful Moment of Solidarity for the Trans Community
Dozens of people came together in an inspiring show of support for our trans community – and what an unforgettable gathering it was. 💙🤍💗
Our incredible patron Bobbi Pickard spoke with passion and honesty, sharing thought-provoking words that moved many. We also heard from members of the Pride committee and members of the public, who bravely shared their own stories, reflections, and messages of solidarity.
One of the most heartfelt parts of the event was our Trans Wall of Support – a space where attendees left powerful messages of hope, love, and allyship for our trans siblings.
We also handed out Support Guides, continuing our mission to educate, uplift, and connect our community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, spoke, listened, and stood together.
Pride at The Lakes Care Centre
We were thrilled to be invited to The Lakes Care Centre as part of their Pride Month celebrations!
It was a joy to connect with residents and staff, share our message, and hand out 20 of our Support Guides to help raise awareness and offer practical advice.
The team also raised funds in support of Swindon & Wiltshire Pride – thank you so much for your generosity and allyship!
Moments like these show just how powerful community support can be.
Quarry Mount Care Home
We’re feeling the Pride this month – and so is Quarry Mount Care Home, who’ve gone above and beyond to support Swindon & Wiltshire Pride!
To celebrate Pride Month, the team created a vibrant window display bursting with colour, joy, and allyship – brightening the day for residents, staff, and the wider community.
But that’s not all... they also handmade a stunning collection of personalised bracelets to help raise funds for our charity. Each one comes with a ‘made by’ tag and a heartfelt note, sharing the name of the person behind the bracelet – a beautiful way to spread kindness and connection.
We’re so grateful for the creativity, care, and love shown by everyone at Quarry Mount. Thank you for supporting Swindon & Wiltshire Pride and helping us make a difference this Pride Month.
Connecting, Learning, and Celebrating Pride at Braden Forest
At a recent Pride event held at Braden Forest School, we hosted an open and engaging Q&A session where students and staff heard personal coming out stories from members of our community.
These honest conversations helped create a welcoming environment where everyone could feel supported and understood.
We also took time to explain the meanings behind several different Pride flags, fostering greater awareness and respect for the diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community.
In addition to the discussions, we distributed support guides, badges, and lanyards — tools designed to promote ongoing support and visibility throughout the school.
It was a meaningful day of connection, learning, and celebration — helping to build a more inclusive and affirming space for all.
Pride Month with Ammonite and Insightful Conversations
During Pride Month, Swindon & Wiltshire Pride hosted its second Film Night of the year, featuring the stunning period drama Ammonite, starring Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan.
Adding to the magic, Sarah Cosgriff led a captivating Q&A session, sparking insightful discussions and sharing fascinating science demonstrations. Sarah explored themes such as queer scientists, female representation in science, and the diverse layers within the film.
It was a brilliant evening filled with film, learning, and community spirit. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and made the night so special!
Supporting World Sustainability Day at Arval
We were proud to be part of World Sustainability Day at Arval, one of our amazing sponsors, where the focus was on building a better, more inclusive future for both people and the planet.
We were proud to have three of our committee volunteers attend in person, bringing energy, insight, and a selection of our Pride merch to support the day and highlight how LGBTQIA+ inclusion plays a vital role in social sustainability.
Events like this are a great reminder that sustainability isn’t just about the environment – it’s also about creating a fairer, more equal society for everyone. And with the help of sponsors like Arval, we’re able to keep Pride events free and accessible for our whole community.
Big thanks to the Arval team for including us and continuing to champion Pride in all spaces!
Celebrating Pride at Old Town Festival, Friends of Old Town
We were out and proud at the heart of the Old Town Festival, marking Pride Month with colour, energy, and community spirit!
Our stall was packed with Pride goodies, and visitors had the chance to chat with our team and learn more about the support we offer.
We also showcased some exciting new merch – including colourful sun hats and clacker fans – perfect for celebrating in the sunshine.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by, showed their support, and helped us spread the message of inclusion and love.
Bringing Pride to New College Swindon
During Pride Month, we were invited to New College Swindon to chat with students and teachers about Pride and the support available. We handed out free pens, lanyards, and badges, plus our LGBTQIA+ support guides. We were on hand to promote all the different events we have coming up and well as highlighting support groups.
Standing Together in Solidarity
Our Pride Hub recently hosted a powerful placard-making session ahead of the Trans Solidarity Protest taking place in Swindon. It was an inspiring moment of creativity, connection, and purpose, as members of our community came together to design signs that reflect the strength, resilience, and unity of the trans and non-binary community.
During the session, people shared personal reflections on why they felt it was important to show up, speak out, and stand together – highlighting the ongoing need for visibility, support, and solidarity in the face of discrimination and inequality.
The protest took place on Sunday at Regent Circus, kicking off at 10.30am with passionate guest speakers and an open invitation for all to raise their voices. Our Pride Hub welcomed everyone afterwards for a space to reflect, connect, and continue building community.
Thank you to everyone who made a placard, shared their story, or joined the march.
Together, we make a difference.
🖤🤍💗💙
Thank You for Joining Us at Oxford Pride
The weather didn’t stop this rainbow – and neither did we!
Rain or shine, Oxford Pride went ahead in full colour, and we were so proud to be part of it. Our stall was buzzing with energy – filled with Pride merch, freebies, and smiling faces.
Thanks to your support, all profits from the day went straight back into our charity, helping us continue to deliver safe, inclusive, and joyful events for everyone in our community.
We’re already looking forward to the next one – thank you for making this year so special!
Happy Pride Month
Happy Pride Month!
Although Pride is 365, we love spending Pride Month celebrating and conversing with our community and Allies! Once again a massive thank you to Swindon Dance for flying our flag, including ALL
Spreading Pride & Positivity at Hungerford Youth Club
In May, we visited Hungerford Community Youth Club, twice in the same week!
We were there to raise awareness, educate on the different Pride flags and identities, and share support guides—plus we brought along plenty of free badges and stickers!
It was great to see so much curiosity and engagement from the group—we even had a mini Q&A where they asked some brilliant questions.
We’re really looking forward to coming back later this week. Thanks again for having us!
Championing Pride 365 at the Satirev Wellbeing Show
Swindon and Wiltshire Pride committee member Hannah proudly represented SWP at the Satirev Wellbeing Show in Bath, Somerset. The event provided a fantastic opportunity to raise vital funds for the charity through our vibrant merchandise, distribute over 80 support guides, and deliver an engaging talk on why Pride is more than just a month. Our talk explored the history of Pride Month and highlighted the ongoing work we do to promote Pride 365—ensuring LGBTQIA+ visibility, support, and inclusion throughout the year. It was a valuable occasion to raise awareness of diverse identities and to connect with other charities, sharing insights on how they can become more LGBTQIA+ inclusive in their practices.
Rainbow Walk Refreshed for 2025!
Originally created in 2018 through a fantastic collaboration between the Swindon & Wiltshire Pride committee and local businesses, the Rainbow Walk has become a much-loved symbol of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity in the heart of Swindon.
Fast forward to 2025—after a good clean and a fresh coat of paint, the Rainbow Walk is looking vibrant once again! With just days to go until Pride, the weather finally played ball, and our amazing committee members rolled up their sleeves to restore the steps to their full colourful glory.
Here’s to keeping the rainbow shining bright for everyone in Swindon & Wiltshire!
LGBT+ History Month movie night
To mark the end of LGBT+ History Month, we hosted our first of three cinema nights this year at the stunning independent cinema, Create Studios. We screened the critically acclaimed film "Moonlight," a powerful tale that explores themes of identity, family, and love within the Black LGBTQ+ community. The film, directed by Barry Jenkins, has won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture.
We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who came along and supported the evening. Your presence and support mean the world to us, and 100% of the ticket sales go back into the vital work we do at Swindon & Wiltshire Pride.
This screening/event was brought to you by the BFI Film Audience Network (FAN) and supported by funds from the National Lottery.
LGBTQIA+ support guide
Every year, we proudly create and distribute an LGBTQIA+ support guide brimming with valuable information. This LGBT+ History Month, we set an ambitious goal of distributing 1,000 support guides across Swindon and Wiltshire. We're thrilled to announce that we surpassed this target, distributing over 1,850 guides!
Our support guides have reached 15 Swindon libraries, 20 Wiltshire libraries, local colleges and schools, Great Western Hospital, Swindon Borough Council, GP surgeries and various local businesses. We are committed to continuing this effort throughout the year as part of our Pride 365 focus.
You can download the support guide here.
Coffee meet up
The first of our monthly Coffee Meet-ups took place on 2 March at Costa Coffee (The Parade, Swindon). It was a great opportunity to meet and catch up with others in the LGBTQIA+ community and to chat with the committee in a relaxed setting.
Swindon Town join forces with Swindon and Wiltshire Pride ahead of EFL's Football v Homophobia Month of Action
Swindon Town FC has partnered with Swindon and Wiltshire Pride for the EFL’s Month of Action for Football v Homophobia. The campaign aims to make football more inclusive and educate people on reporting discrimination. Clubs will use Puma Rainbow Footballs for matches from February 6–17.
Key figures from the club and Swindon and Wiltshire Pride, including manager Ian Holloway and players, participated in a campaign video. Swindon and Wiltshire Pride has supported the LGBTQ+ community since 2008 through fundraising, events, and resources.
See our joint Press Release for more information.
Pride with the Swindon Wildcats 2025
Swindon & Wiltshire Pride had another fantastic evening at the Swindon Wildcats game as part of the English Ice Hockey Association Pride Week celebrations!
This year, we gave out over 25 LGBTQIA+ support guides while chatting with fans about Pride, the Hub, and the importance of inclusivity in sport. Our stall was packed with rainbow merch, pronoun badges, and plenty of great conversations!
We were also awarded the 2025 Pride jersey and were thrilled to see the Wildcats raising funds for us – the total amount to be confirmed soon! A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by, showed their support, and made the night so special
Old Town Light Switch On
James and Sue along with two volunteers attended Swindon’s Old Town Christmas Light Switch On this December. It was a great opportunity to meet with some of the local community, providing information and support, with 20 support guides being given out and another 30 taken for distribution around Wiltshire. We added some Christmas sparkle with LED wands and light tubes available to buy alongside our Pride themed items, all proceeds will go to support putting on Pride 2025
We've also been had an impact for much longer. Interested?
Take a look at the Our Impact in previous years page.
September 2019-2020
September 2018-2019
Local Events
It's important to promote Pride at local LGBTQ+ events and be visible and educate at non LGBTQ+ events.
In 2019 we attended Swindon's Festival of Christmas, Pride in Gloucestershire, Swindon Old Town Festival, Great Western Hospital, and Armed Forces Day.
We use these events to promote Pride, educate on LGBTQ+ services, and engage with all of the community.
Education
Text
The UK now has 45 million social media users, equating to 67% of the population.
That's why we are active across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with a total of over 15k followers.
We use our channels to engage, educate, celebrate and promote events and services.
Pride Pop Up Space
In December 2019 we set up our first Pride Pop Up Shop, to provide a space for LGBTQ+ members of the community that was easily accessible and visible.
The Swindon & Wiltshire Pride committee has volunteered over 120 hours in setting up and running 2 weekends of the Pride Pop Up Shop.
This space has been used for raising money for Pride, Drag Queen Story Hour, LGBTQ+ information, Out Of The Can youth group and a Police surgery to report hate crime.
Volunteers
Volunteers are an extremely important part of helping make Pride happen.
In 2019 over 90 Volunteers helped make Pride happen. Helping us set up the event, litter pick, stewarding and marshaling vehicles safely into the park.
After Pride 2019 we held a BBQ for our volunteers as a big THANK YOU for all their hard work.
Supporting Charities
On December 1st 2019 we hosted a fundraiser in aid of World Aids Day.
We managed to raise £355 in one evening with all proceeds going to The Terrance Higgins Trust.
Rainbow Walk
In 2018 we unveiled our secret project,
Rainbow Walk.
Rainbow Walk was installed by the committee of 2018 and friends. It represents Swindon's continuing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community.
The scheme was completed with donations from local branches of B&Q, Wicks and Homebase who all donated materials for the project as well as local business, Newjax, who pressure washed the steps.