Chelmsford Pride March Gets Major Boost Through New Collaboration
Chelmsford Theatre and Essex Pride are joining forces to elevate this year’s Pride celebrations, bringing a bigger, brighter, and more vibrant march to the city this June. Both organisations have committed to investing in the event, ensuring the 2026 Pride March features live music, performers, and an atmosphere worthy of Chelmsford’s diverse and dynamic community.
A New Starting Point with Festival Vibes
The march will set off from Marconi Plaza, right beside Chelmsford Theatre. The Theatre will open its facilities and café to everyone taking part, helping to create a welcoming, party-like atmosphere from the very beginning. Expect live entertainment, music, and a lively build‑up before the march begins.
A Bigger, Bolder Route
This year’s enhanced route will see participants head down Duke Street, led by Chelmsford’s RuPaul’s Dragrace star, Cheryl Hole, before joining the top of Chelmsford High Street at Tindal Square. From there, the march will continue through the city centre and finish at the main Pride Festival site in Central Park.
Essex Pride Chair, Garry Ormes, said all the team at Essex Pride are very proud to be partnering with Chelmsford Theatre for the march, as part of the 2026 Essex Pride celebrations:
“The Pride march provides a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals to be seen and recognised, challenging stereotypes and promoting acceptance.
Essex Pride is a fun, safe and inclusive event for for the whole community to join together and celebrate. The march itself signifies the start of the pride celebrations and we can't wait to work with Chelmsford Theatre to elevate the march for 2026"
Garry Ormes, Chair, Essex Pride
Chelmsford Theatre Director, Rhys Thomas, says the partnership is a natural extension of the venue’s Glitz and Glamazons creative programme.
“Celebrating Chelmsford’s diverse community sits at the heart of our mission. Through Glitz and Glamazons, we’ve been championing drag artistry, queer comedy, and LGBTQI+ storytelling on our stages. This collaboration allows us to take that energy beyond the Theatre walls and deepen our connection with the communities we serve.”
The shared ambition is clear: to give Chelmsford the Pride March it truly deserves –joyful, inclusive and unforgettable.
The Pride March will gather at Marconi Plaza from 10am, Saturday 20 June, with march assembly starting at 11am. Chelmsford Theatre will provide facilities for those gathering for the march and the opportunity for participants to purchase a range of snacks and refreshments from the Theatre café.