Each Year Medway Pride holds its first event during February as part of the national LGBTQIA+ History Month. This event takes the form of an exhibition to highlight the history, creativity and issues of the day for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The exhibition is the beginning of Medway Pride 26 and sets the theme we use for the years events.
If you would like to be involved in the creation of any elements of the 2026 or 2027 exhibition please read this page, you can then register your interest on this google form HERE
Medway Pride CIC has set the following themes in recent years.
UNITED IN PRIDE
This theme was used for 2021 to 2024. It was a message of unity to resist the challenge from those who wished to separate the LGB from the TQIA parts of the community. We created exhibitions and events to show how the LGBTQIA+ community had come together to fight for civil and human rights for the whole community. It also acted as a call for all communities of Medway to join Medway Pride as Allies to celebrate diversity and inclusion of all.
PRIDE IS A PROTEST & A CELEBRATION
For 2025 we expanded the theme to highlight the history of the pride as a human civil rights movement. This resulted in the creation of a placard exhibition highlighting the steps forward and steps backward in changes in law affecting the LGBTQIA+ Community from 1957 to 2025.
2026 Exhibition
This February we will be expanding on the theme to create an exhibition with support from Nucleus Arts who have partnered with Medway Pride to host the exhibition from 19th to 25th of February 2026.
We are looking for community members to help build an oral / written history project reflecting on how the changes to equality law has affected and changed their lives.
This may be a reflection from the lived experiences at the time these changes, or it may be a reflection on how the historic changes have changed their life experiences.
2027 Exhibition
Looking forward to 2027 we are looking to create an exhibition that aligns with Rochester 900 Anniversary of the building of the castle keep.
We are proud of the connection between Medway Pride & Rochester Castle as the iconic venue for our annual pride festival in 2027 we are planning to research historic figures who would today fit within the LGBTQIA+ community who have links to Rochester, Medway and the surrounding area. This will include people across the historic to modern timeline.
If you would like to be involved in the creation of any elements of the 2026 or 2027 exhibition please register your interest on this google form HERE
Medway Pride CIC would like to thank all our Sponsors and Parners including everyone who donated to our Medway Pride Fund. We would not be able to produce our events without your fabulous support.
We’re SO happy to welcome Nandos to our Medway Pride family! These guys bring flavour and inclusion to everything they do. Their senior bods create welcoming spaces and actively support LGBTQIA+ charities and causes. Having Nando’s behind us reminds us that visibility and allyship is important, thanks guys
The University of Kent has supported Medway Pride since the very beginning. Its commitment to supporting its LGBTQIA+ student is unwavering. For example, trans and non-binary students can apply to their gender affirmation fund for a grant of up to £100 for gender-affirming items like binders and haircuts, which can make a huge difference for students on a tight budget. They have four LGBTQIA+ societies across their campuses, including a POC society, which is one of only a dozen in the UK. Cheers guys, we hope to continue working you for years to come!
Haven’t visited Medway before? Don’t worry! We are easy to find and just as easy to get to.
You can find us in Kent, in the South East of the UK. London is under an hour away by train, and you have fantastic links to the rest of Kent and mainland Europe.
Medway is rapidly evolving, with the towns of Chatham, Gillingham and Rochester developing exciting arts scenes and cultural districts. You’re also surrounded by countryside and coast, with plenty of space to clear your head and explore nature. You get the best of both worlds!
Canterbury Christ Church University brings student power to Pride! The LGBTQIA+ Society there provides all sorts of support, and not just to students, they donate to charities like Mermaids, Porchlight, and Just Like Us too. SO much support for LGBTQIA+ young people in Medway, we thank them for it, and for being such amazing allies for so long!
Medway Pride CIC would like to announce that Medway Pride 25 will take place on August 16th in Rochester Medway, including a pride parade along Rochester High Street from 10.30am followed by an eight-hour festival from 12pm with local, national and international acts performing at Rochester Castle Gardens. There will also be Medway Pride Fringe Festival events taking place between the 8th and 16th Augusts at location within the INTRA area of Chatham / Rochester and other venues within Medway.
This will be the 5th anniversary of the 1st Medway Pride event which took place in 2021.
Medway Pride CIC raise funding for their events through a combination of Public & Private Grants, Sponsorship and Public Donations to the Medway Pride Fund. We would like to thank our current sponsors and supporters for their contributions for Medway Pride 25
The event has historically been free to attend but this year we were unsuccessful in our bids for some of the grant funding we applied for leaving a shortfall in our budget for the event.
We are therefore still seeking additional sponsor organisations and public donations to meet the shortfall amount. Organisations wishing to sponsor Medway Pride 25 or those wishing to donate to Medway Pride Fund can find more information at www,medwaypride.co.uk.
One way we can raise funds for the event is to link the event tickets to a donation amount to cover the shortfall in grant funding. Medway Pride CIC will be announcing ticket options via their social media and website before the end of June
Thank you to all our sponsors, fundraisers and those who donate to support Medway Pride CIC.
Kind regards
Hilary Cooke
Chair Medway Pride
Note for editor
Medway Pride CIC is a Community Interest Company managed by volunteers. All funds raised go towards providing our services, creating and producing events for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Medway Pride 25 will be the 5th pride event held in Medway by Medway Pride CIC.
Pride events, also known as a pride parade, festival, or march, is a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community’s social and self-acceptance, achievements, legal rights, and pride. These events often include parades, rallies, community gatherings, and other activities, and they frequently serve as demonstrations for LGBTQIA+ rights. Pride events are held throughout the year, but many are concentrated in June, which is designated as Pride Month in commemoration of the Stonewall Riots in New York on 28th June 1969, which lead to LGBTQIA+ Civil Rights Protest Marches to seek equal rights.
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In a continually evolving world we help businesses, not for profit organisations, private individuals and families embrace change through trusted advice, support and guidance.
Our passion for continued improvement ensures that we work to understand your goals, support and advise you on your journey and help you to realise your ambitions.
Medway Pride CIC say thank you to members of the public , businesses and organisations that donate to the Medway Pride Fund to help find our events and support services.
We would not be able to produce the events and services without your help
Medway Pride 2025 Fund Open
Medway Pride Lottery Fund
Support Medway Pride 2025 Fund Play the Medway Pride Lottery with a chance to win £25,000
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Last Updated: 02/10/2025 by Hilary Cooke Leave a Comment
Medway Pride LGBTQIA+ History Month 2026
Each Year Medway Pride holds its first event during February as part of the national LGBTQIA+ History Month. This event takes the form of an exhibition to highlight the history, creativity and issues of the day for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The exhibition is the beginning of Medway Pride 26 and sets the theme we use for the years events.
If you would like to be involved in the creation of any elements of the 2026 or 2027 exhibition please read this page, you can then register your interest on this google form HERE
Medway Pride CIC has set the following themes in recent years.
UNITED IN PRIDE
This theme was used for 2021 to 2024. It was a message of unity to resist the challenge from those who wished to separate the LGB from the TQIA parts of the community. We created exhibitions and events to show how the LGBTQIA+ community had come together to fight for civil and human rights for the whole community. It also acted as a call for all communities of Medway to join Medway Pride as Allies to celebrate diversity and inclusion of all.
PRIDE IS A PROTEST & A CELEBRATION
For 2025 we expanded the theme to highlight the history of the pride as a human civil rights movement. This resulted in the creation of a placard exhibition highlighting the steps forward and steps backward in changes in law affecting the LGBTQIA+ Community from 1957 to 2025.
2026 Exhibition
This February we will be expanding on the theme to create an exhibition with support from Nucleus Arts who have partnered with Medway Pride to host the exhibition from 19th to 25th of February 2026.
We are looking for community members to help build an oral / written history project reflecting on how the changes to equality law has affected and changed their lives.
This may be a reflection from the lived experiences at the time these changes, or it may be a reflection on how the historic changes have changed their life experiences.
2027 Exhibition
Looking forward to 2027 we are looking to create an exhibition that aligns with Rochester 900 Anniversary of the building of the castle keep.
We are proud of the connection between Medway Pride & Rochester Castle as the iconic venue for our annual pride festival in 2027 we are planning to research historic figures who would today fit within the LGBTQIA+ community who have links to Rochester, Medway and the surrounding area. This will include people across the historic to modern timeline.
If you would like to be involved in the creation of any elements of the 2026 or 2027 exhibition please register your interest on this google form HERE
Hilary Cooke
Medway Pride CIC
Last Updated: 11/08/2025 by Hilary Cooke 2 Comments
What can you bring to Medway Pride
Last Updated: 09/08/2025 by Hilary Cooke Leave a Comment
Medway Pride Sponsors and Partners
Medway Pride CIC would like to thank all our Sponsors and Parners including everyone who donated to our Medway Pride Fund. We would not be able to produce our events without your fabulous support.
Thank you all
Hilary Cooke Chair Medway Pride CIC
Last Updated: 09/08/2025 by Hilary Cooke Leave a Comment
Nando’s
We’re SO happy to welcome Nandos to our Medway Pride family! These guys bring flavour and inclusion to everything they do. Their senior bods create welcoming spaces and actively support LGBTQIA+ charities and causes. Having Nando’s behind us reminds us that visibility and allyship is important, thanks guys
https://www.nandos.co.uk
Last Updated: 09/08/2025 by Hilary Cooke Leave a Comment
Univesity Of Kent
The University of Kent has supported Medway Pride since the very beginning. Its commitment to supporting its LGBTQIA+ student is unwavering. For example, trans and non-binary students can apply to their gender affirmation fund for a grant of up to £100 for gender-affirming items like binders and haircuts, which can make a huge difference for students on a tight budget. They have four LGBTQIA+ societies across their campuses, including a POC society, which is one of only a dozen in the UK. Cheers guys, we hope to continue working you for years to come!
Haven’t visited Medway before? Don’t worry! We are easy to find and just as easy to get to.
You can find us in Kent, in the South East of the UK. London is under an hour away by train, and you have fantastic links to the rest of Kent and mainland Europe.
Medway is rapidly evolving, with the towns of Chatham, Gillingham and Rochester developing exciting arts scenes and cultural districts. You’re also surrounded by countryside and coast, with plenty of space to clear your head and explore nature. You get the best of both worlds!
https://www.kent.ac.uk/locations/medway
Posted: 12/07/2025 by Hilary Cooke Leave a Comment
Canterbury Christ Church University
Canterbury Christ Church University brings student power to Pride! The LGBTQIA+ Society there provides all sorts of support, and not just to students, they donate to charities like Mermaids, Porchlight, and Just Like Us too. SO much support for LGBTQIA+ young people in Medway, we thank them for it, and for being such amazing allies for so long!
Last Updated: 27/06/2025 by Hilary Cooke Leave a Comment
UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Medway Pride CIC were succesful in their bid for frunding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
This grant is provided by UK Government
Last Updated: 26/06/2025 by Hilary Cooke 1 Comment
MEDWAY PRIDE 25 PRESS RELEASE
Press Release Medway Pride 2025
Medway Pride CIC would like to announce that Medway Pride 25 will take place on August 16th in Rochester Medway, including a pride parade along Rochester High Street from 10.30am followed by an eight-hour festival from 12pm with local, national and international acts performing at Rochester Castle Gardens. There will also be Medway Pride Fringe Festival events taking place between the 8th and 16th Augusts at location within the INTRA area of Chatham / Rochester and other venues within Medway.
This will be the 5th anniversary of the 1st Medway Pride event which took place in 2021.
Medway Pride CIC raise funding for their events through a combination of Public & Private Grants, Sponsorship and Public Donations to the Medway Pride Fund. We would like to thank our current sponsors and supporters for their contributions for Medway Pride 25
The event has historically been free to attend but this year we were unsuccessful in our bids for some of the grant funding we applied for leaving a shortfall in our budget for the event.
We are therefore still seeking additional sponsor organisations and public donations to meet the shortfall amount. Organisations wishing to sponsor Medway Pride 25 or those wishing to donate to Medway Pride Fund can find more information at www,medwaypride.co.uk.
One way we can raise funds for the event is to link the event tickets to a donation amount to cover the shortfall in grant funding. Medway Pride CIC will be announcing ticket options via their social media and website before the end of June
Thank you to all our sponsors, fundraisers and those who donate to support Medway Pride CIC.
Kind regards
Hilary Cooke
Chair Medway Pride
Note for editor
Medway Pride CIC is a Community Interest Company managed by volunteers. All funds raised go towards providing our services, creating and producing events for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Medway Pride 25 will be the 5th pride event held in Medway by Medway Pride CIC.
Pride events, also known as a pride parade, festival, or march, is a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community’s social and self-acceptance, achievements, legal rights, and pride. These events often include parades, rallies, community gatherings, and other activities, and they frequently serve as demonstrations for LGBTQIA+ rights. Pride events are held throughout the year, but many are concentrated in June, which is designated as Pride Month in commemoration of the Stonewall Riots in New York on 28th June 1969, which lead to LGBTQIA+ Civil Rights Protest Marches to seek equal rights.
Medway Pride Supporters
Medway Pride CIC 331 High Street Rochester ME1 1DA, www.medwaypride.co.uk
Posted: 15/06/2025 by Hilary Cooke Leave a Comment
Kreston Reeves
Proud to support Medway Pride 25
More than accountants, business and wealth advisers
In a continually evolving world we help businesses, not for profit organisations, private individuals and families embrace change through trusted advice, support and guidance.
Our passion for continued improvement ensures that we work to understand your goals, support and advise you on your journey and help you to realise your ambitions.
Guiding you to a brighter future.
Last Updated: 14/06/2025 by Hilary Cooke Leave a Comment
Public Donations Medway Pride 25
Medway Pride CIC say thank you to members of the public , businesses and organisations that donate to the Medway Pride Fund to help find our events and support services.
We would not be able to produce the events and services without your help
Medway Pride 2025 Fund Open
Medway Pride Lottery Fund
Support Medway Pride 2025 Fund Play the Medway Pride Lottery with a chance to win £25,000
Play the Medway Pride Lottery
About This Site
This website is managed by Medway Pride CIC to promote Medway Pride events and services for the LGBTQI
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