Guidance notes and specifications for parade groups without floats

• We want your group and everyone watching to have a fabulous time. To do this safely each group must commit to the following guidance and specifications.
• This guide has been designed based on feedback received, experience of running Pride in London, and in consultation with the Greater London Authority and other agencies. In addition to this document all groups and those with whom they attend are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct and Pride Pledge.
• Pride in London is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone, and we ask that all participants do the same. Failure to adhere to the code of conduct or the guidance and specification documents may result in your group being refused entry in future years.

Your parade group

Parade wristbands

• For the safety and comfort of all people taking part in the parade we issue wristbands. Each person in the parade must wear an accredited Pride in London parade wristband to gain access.
• The wristbands will need to be collected from our central London location. Further details will be provided closer to the date, and should be available in the two weeks leading up to the parade. The wristbands will need to be distributed and worn before arriving at the entry point. Follow us on social media to keep up to date with the latest guidance.
• Children are required to wear wristbands and are considered as part of your group allocation.

Age limitations

• For safeguarding reasons we have an age restriction for parade participants.
• Children under 16 years old must be accompanied at all times by an adult who is responsible for their safety and welfare for the duration of their time at Pride in London.
• If your group will have children in attendance, please ensure you have the appropriate safeguarding measures in place and plans of what to do if your group become separated. If you require assistance at any time, please speak with a Pride in London trained steward.

Animals & pets

• Pets and animals are not allowed into the parade, except for registered assistance and support animals. The parade is a loud, busy area and there are no provisions for pet loos. Many animals who are fine in other busy situations may find this distressing.
• If a member of your group is intending to bring an assistance animal, please let us know in advance of the parade and provide documentation in support of the request.

Arrival times

• Pride in London is the biggest LGBT+ event in the United Kingdom, so help us to keep it moving during the day! The following guidance should be adhered to in order to help us avoid delays.
• All members of your parade group must arrive together at the parade entry point during the allocated time window as advised by the organisers. This can vary from as early as 10.30am and as late as 4:00pm. Please consider this before booking a place to meet before or after the parade.
• Vehicles will have an earlier arrival window than your walkers. This is to avoid vehicles moving in the form up area at the same time as walkers are arriving and preparing to start marching. This will take place from 8.30am to 11:00am.
• The experience on the day is more than the march itself, it is having the chance to interact with other LGBT+ Londoners and Allies who are marching together with you. You should expect to wait between 60 and 90 minutes from your scheduled arrival time until the start down the parade route, so make the most of this time to say hello to each other!

Participants requirements

• Participants must not be intoxicated by alcohol or under the influence of illegal drugs. Anyone seen taking or distributing and illegal substances will be reported to the police.
• Glass bottles or drinking glasses must not be brought into the parade. Broken glass in a crowded area is a serious safety risk. Please consider the environment and select re-usable vessels for liquids.
• Pride in London is all about safe self expression and participants are encouraged to express themselves through their attire. Please remember that in accordance with the law, the minimum clothing required is equivalent to standard swimwear for people of all genders.
• No obscenities, offensive dress, or offensive material of and kind may be displayed or distributed at Pride in London. If you are unsure whether an item may cause offence please do not bring this as you will be asked to dispose of it before taking part in the parade.
• All people in the parade need to keep moving at the parade pace and minimise gaps. Please do not stop for photos or to perform on route as this slows the parade down and holds up the people waiting to join behind your group.
• Your parade group must not move down the sides or in front of any vehicles or other parade groups. This is for the safety of your group and for the pride in London volunteers. Failure to do this may result in your group being refused entry in future.
• Please do not bring single use plastic to the parade. We will be providing drinking water for people in the parade in the form up area. Please remember to bring a refillable, reusable bottle to be able to collect the water we will be providing.
• We will be providing bins in the form up area and clear rubbish bags. Please ensure your group keeps all rubbish to a minimum, and only leave rubbish in the areas provided. On route there will be no bins.

Limitations of activity in parade

• Solicitation donations or the collecting of money is prohibited. This includes “text to donate” signs as well as cash and card payments on site. The distribution of confetti or adhesives (such as stickers or similar) is not allowed. These add to the cleaning cost of the event, have an impact on the environment, and can lead to fines being passed on to your group from Pride in London.
• Smoke, flares and pyrotechnics (smoke machines, fireworks, sparklers or stage effects) are strictly prohibited. These cause a significant risk of fire, and of smoke inhalation by parade groups and spectators. Sampling, handing out merchandise or other items must be requested and approved in writing in advance of the parade. Please email parade@prideinlondon.org for more information.
• Music is permitted to be played at a reasonable volume on the parade route (after the start arch and up to the finish arch), but not in the form up area or dispersal area. This is due to the close proximity of other people for an extended period of time.

General environmental consideration

• The parade happens once a year, but the environmental impact can last much longer. Please ensure you ethically source materials and avoid any single use plastics.
• Please also try to recycle and reuse as much of the materials used after the event.

Design elements

• What are you planning to bring to make your group stand out?
• Every group wants to stand out and we encourage every group to show what they are about. The annual parade is a special opportunity to tell the wider community who you are, what you stand for, and what you are championing.
• You may bring a trolley or similar to pull or push your refillable water bottles or other items for your group, but please ensure this is less than one metre long on all sides. Space in the form up area is limited and the more trolleys in production, the fewer wristbands we can issue in future.
• Decorations must be firmly fixed to any trolley or carts to ensure they will not move or fall off during the parade.
• All electrical items must be portable appliance tested.
• Petrol generators are not allowed and may not be brought into the parade. Please use battery powered, or if absolutely essential, diesel. Please consider the environmental impact of generators.

Parade socials

We will be looking to organise social events so you can get to meet other group leaders as well as the parade team.

We hope to have you joining us in the parade on July 1st and look forward to seeing you at a parade briefing.

Guidance notes and specifications for parade groups with floats

We want your group and everyone watching to have a fabulous time. To do this safely each group must commit to the following guidance and specifications.

This guide has been designed based on feedback received, experience of running Pride in London, and in consultation with the Greater London Authority and other agencies. In addition to this document all groups and those with whom they attend are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct and Pride Pledge.

Pride in London is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone, and we ask that all participants do the same. Failure to adhere to the code of conduct or the guidance and specification documents may result in your group being refused entry in future years.

Your parade group

Parade wristbands

• For the safety and comfort of all people taking part in the parade we issue wristbands. Each person in the parade must wear an accredited Pride in London parade wristband to gain access.
• The wristbands will need to be collected from our central London location. Further details will be provided closer to the date, and should be available in the two weeks leading up to the parade.
• The wristbands will need to be distributed and worn before arriving at the entry point. Follow us on social media to keep up to date with the latest guidance.
• Children are required to wear wristbands and are considered as part of your group allocation.

Age limitations

• For safeguarding reasons we have an age restriction for parade participants.
• Children under 16 years old must be accompanied at all times by an adult who is responsible for their safety and welfare for the duration of their time at Pride in London.
• If your group will have children in attendance, please ensure you have the appropriate safeguarding measures in place and plans of what to do if your group become separated.
• If you require assistance at any time, please speak with a Pride in London trained steward.

Animals & pets

• Pets and animals are not allowed into the parade, except for registered assistance and support animals. The parade is a loud, busy area and there are no provisions for pet loos.
• Many animals who are fine in other busy situations may find this distressing.
• If a member of your group is intending to bring an assistance animal, please let us know in advance of the parade and provide documentation in support of the request.

Arrival times

Pride in London is the biggest LGBT+ event in the United Kingdom, so help us to keep it moving during the day!

The following guidance should be adhered to in order to help us avoid delays.

• All members of your parade group must arrive together at the parade entry point during the allocated time window as advised by the organisers. This can vary from as early as 10.30am and as late as 4:00pm. Please consider this before booking a place to meet before or after the parade.
• Vehicles will have an earlier arrival window than your walkers. This is to avoid vehicles moving in the form up area at the same time as walkers are arriving and preparing to start marching. This will take place from 8.30am to 11:00am.
• The experience on the day is more than the march itself, it is having the chance to interact with other LGBT+ Londoners and Allies who are marching together with you.
• You should expect to wait between 60 and 90 minutes from your scheduled arrival time until the start down the parade route, so make the most of this time to say hello to each other. 

Vehicles

Parade briefing

Essential information for group leaders.

• As a group with a float it is very important you are given as much detail as possible on what to expect on the day, and the important deadlines where documents are needed.
• To ensure you have the most up to date information, and are able to ask questions face to face, all vehicles group leaders must attend a parade briefing, and ensure they are signed in as attending.
• The briefings last about two hours and are held in central London between March and May 2023.
• There will be multiple opportunities to attend and plenty of notice will be given for each of the dates.

Roadworthiness

• All vehicles must be legally roadworthy to drive to the start of the parade, take part in the parade, and leave dispersal after the parade.
• The vehicles must: Have a current MOT certificate Be insured • Have current road tax • Be prepared to pay any ULEZ or congestion charges
• If your vehicle is not road legal you will need to apply for a Vehicle Special Order.
• Further information can be found at Vehicle Special Orders / Vehicle Certification Agency 

If you need to apply for this please also let us know at parade@prideinlondon.org so that we can refer this to the appropriate authority.

Parade design approval

• The design of the float must be submitted for approval in advance.
• Designs for all vehicles must be submitted to the parade team for approval by 5:00pm on May 31st, 2023.
• Failure to do so will result in the vehicle not being approved to take part in the parade, and no refund will be given. The walkers for your group will still be able to take part.
• Designs may be asked to be reworked to meet specification or parade guidance.
• Please consider this before build or print begins for your vehicle.

Design elements

• Your vehicle must arrive with only minimal final touches to be added in the form up area. We will not be issuing additional wristbands or granting access for technical team members to perform final touch ups on vehicles in the parade form up area.
• Decorations must be firmly fixed to the float to ensure they will not move or fall off during the parade.
• All electrical items added to the float must be portable appliance tested. Petrol generators are not allowed and cannot be brought into the parade.
• Please use battery powered or if absolutely essential, diesel.
• Please consider the environmental impact of generators.
• If there will be people on your float, ensure there is a fixed solid handrail at waist height and a lower rail below this.
• The lower rail is to ensure people cannot slip under the handrail The lower half of all wheels on vehicles must be exposed so people around the vehicle can see the hazard.
• We will be judging the floats to find the best float in the parade so be creative with your float designs!

Vehicle size

• All vehicles must be within the size limits provided or cannot take part in the parade.
• Vehicles which are able to normally drive through London road may not be able to travel down the parade route. At points along the parade barriers are placed into the road which narrows the route and reduces the turning circle compared to the usual road width. As per your application the maximum length is either 6 meters long or 10 meters long.
• This is measured from the front bumper to the very back (imagine a virtual box it had to fit in, or if you had to post your float off to someone the box it must fit in). Vehicles longer than this will be refused a vehicle pass and unable to enter the parade entry point. All vehicles must be no wider than 2.5 meters (i.e. no extra wide vehicles or non-standard vehicle widths) to ensure they can fit through the full route.
• All vehicles must be less than 4.5 meters tall from the floor to the highest point to make it through the arches at the start and end of the parade. This includes any design or dressing elements added.

Driver, co-drivers & wheel stewards

Drivers

• For security purposes we need to know who’s driving.
• The parade is an event on a global scale, and this brings with it additional security requirements.
• To ensure the vehicles are being driven by authorised people, we are required to provide the Metropolitan Police Service with a list which contains the following information:
• The full name as per photo ID of the driver
• The drivers licence number
• The current home address of the driver
• The drivers mobile phone number (which will be used on the day)
• Confirmation they have consented to this information being passed to the police for vetting.
• This information must be provided on the parade portal before the 12th of June 2022. If we do not have this information by that time, your driver (which would also mean your float) could be refused entry into the parade, and no refund would be given.

Co-drivers

• All vehicles (with a cabin or interior) are required to have a co-driver. This is to ensure that the vehicles have an approved occupant at all times inside.
• Before the parade starts, your driver may wish to stretch, or take a comfort break. At this time the co-driver must remain within the vehicle.
• This person must be over 18 years of age but does not need to be able to drive. They are only there to ensure no one else enters the vehicle while the driver is away from the vehicle.

Please provide the following for the co-driver:

• Full name as shown on photo ID
• Current home address
• Mobile phone number (that will be used on the day)
• Confirmation they have consented to this information being passed on to the police for checking.

This information is also needed to be added to the parade portal before the 1st June 2023.

Wheel stewards

• To ensure the safety of people around your vehicle.
• All vehicles with a cabin or interior are required to bring people with them to act as safety stewards for the vehicle. When the vehicle arrives at the entry point to the parade form up area, also present must be your wheel stewards. You are required to bring 6 for a small float and 8 for a large float.
• One steward will walk in front of your vehicle to alert the driver to anything on the floor which could be a hazard. Two (or three in the case of a large vehicle) down the sides to ensure people keep away from the wheels when the vehicle is moving.
• The final steward is behind the vehicle to stop people trying to walk too close behind the vehicle where the driver is unable to see them.
• Wheel stewards must also ensure members of the parade do not pass down the sides of your vehicle when the parade is on route, even when the vehicle is static.
• You can switch wheel stewards in and out of the role before the parade starts moving to give breaks, but once the floats start moving, they must remain in position until the vehicle reaches the end of the parade and re- joins traffic.
• We will provide a high visibility t-shirt for each wheel steward which must be worn, so they stand out in the busy parade area. General environmental consideration The parade happens on one day a year, but the environmental impact can last much longer.
• Please ensure you ethically source materials and avoid any single use plastics.
• Please also try to recycle and reuse as much of the float dressing after the event.

Parade Socials

We will be looking to organise social events so you can get to meet other group leaders as well as the parade team.

We hope to have you joining us in the parade on July 1st and look forward to seeing you at a parade briefing.

Essential information for group leaders.

• For new and returning groups, the parade briefings are there to provide invaluable information, and give you the opportunity to meet other groups and the parade team face to face.
• It is very important you are given as much detail as possible on what to expect on the day, and the important deadlines where documents are needed. If you are a new group leader, or a new group in the parade you must attend a parade briefing, and ensure you are signed in as attending.
• The briefings last about two hours and are held in central London between March and May 2023.
• There will be multiple opportunities to attend and plenty of notice will be given for each of the dates.

Q: Is there an entry fee for the parade?

A: Yes, all groups except LGBT+ community walking groups have to pay a registration fee.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of wristbands allocated to each group?

A: Yes, there is a limited number of wristbands allocated to each group.  This is to allow for safe management of the high number of groups and participants in the parade. 

Q: Is there a minimum age to participate?

A: We welcome all to celebrate Pride, but strongly encourage persons under the age of 18 to be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

Q: Are children within groups required to wear wristbands?

A: Yes, children who are participating with a group must wear a wristband .

Q: Is nudity allowed in the parade?

A: No, nudity is not allowed in the parade; the minimum dress code is swimwear or similar. 

Q: Can I bring my doggie along in the parade?

A: We welcome service dogs & support animals. If your doggie is neither, we strongly advise to leave at home as it can be extremely hot and overly noisy which is detrimental to the animals welfare. In addition there are no pet toilets along the parade route. 

Q: What do I do If I forget my password to the parade application platform?

A: Select 'forgot password' and you'll quickly get an email for a reset.

Q: Is there security along the parade route?

A: Pride in London provides parade stewards along the entire route in addition to having SIA registered security stewards.  Metropolitan Police provide an operational presence throughout the day. 

Q: What is a parade briefing?

A: A parade briefing is the opportunity for new and returning groups to learn more about what to expect on the day, meet other parade groups and ask specific questions that may help your group's planning.  

Q: Can we have smoke bombs on our floats?

A: Smoke bombs or flares of any kind are not permitted on your float or in the parade.

Q: Can we give out branded stickers along the route?

A: Stickers are not allowed to be given out along the parade route due to the impact that have on the cleansing.

Q: Is there an alternative to having a motorised float?

A: Yes, you can consider the option of having an inflatable ballon.

Q: Are there any changing facilities or lockers in the form up area of the parade?

A: There are no changing facilities or lockers at the start of the parade.  If you are wearing a costume, please come dressed or alternatively use nearby hotel facilities to change. 

Float Safety & Design Guidance

• All floats must be ready for a safety inspection prior to the parade departure time. Any floats that fail inspection or do not arrive on time will not be permitted in the procession.
• All motorised vehicles must be road legal, insured and have a current MOT test or similar if applicable to that type of vehicle.
• Vehicles must not have their lights and indicators obstructed by décor.
• Any generators must be DIESEL, secured away from reach of children, and safely fastened to the float, earthed, and RCD protected.
• Any generators privately hired are required to produce a valid electrical safety certificate. Failure to do so could mean exclusion from the parade. These documents must be made available at the safety inspection. • All electrical equipment is required to have valid electrical safety certification.
• No naked flames will be allowed on the vehicle.
• If participants are riding on the floats, safety railings must be fitted to trucks that meet the satisfaction of the Event Safety Advisor.
• All décor and items to be securely fixed.
• No objects should protrude which cause the potential to injure persons in or around the vehicle. • Materials and fabrics should be fire-proofed and/or have the relevant fire certification.
• CO2 or Powder fire extinguishers need to be located on each float.

Guide To Float Parade Safety

So that you and all of the parade participants and viewers will have a safe and enjoyable day, we need to go through a few Safety Rules for the event.

Vehicles – Any truck or vehicle in the parade need to:

• be in good working order and roadworthy;
• have a vehicle excise license (taxed);
• have tyres in good condition;
• have working turning indicators and lights;
• be fully insured and evidence of this and able to provide evidence.

The Driver – This person must:

• be appropriately insured;
• be prepared to drive the vehicle very slowly;
• not do any quick starts or stops;
• have an assistant(s) to help him/her watch for public stepping out onto their path;
• not be under the influence of alcohol;
• remain with the vehicle at all times (including when the vehicle is stationary and in position in the parade form-up);
• clearly display the two signs provided in the front windscreen – one with group and driver details, one with the number/order of the float in the parade
• Follow the instructions of all event staff on the day

Float riders – anyone who rides on the back of the float / truck must:

• be aged 12 or older. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult responsible for his or her safety and wellbeing on the float;
• be in a safe position:
• The safest position is sitting. This gives the person more stability should the truck have to halt suddenly
• Anyone who stands on the float must be secure. They should have a hand rail or secured in an appropriate harness.
• Participants must stand in the middle of the float, not on the edge where they could fall off.
• have clothing appropriate for the weather: keep warm and be prepared if it is raining;
• have enough water or refreshment with them to get through the entire parade;
• not give out gifts or advertising from or near the float. This is extremely important, as crowds bending to retrieve something could end up in the path of a moving vehicle.
• anyone playing music on floats must comply with the noise levels deemed appropriate by production staff and/ or event management team & safety advisors;
• once the parade is moving NO ONE must leave a vehicle until the end of the parade;
• not consume any alcohol at any point before, or during the parade.

Float Decor – you need to make sure that your float is appropriately decorated, but these Decor are in a safe and secure condition:

• Decor must be firmly fixed to the float so that they won’t slip, move or fall during the procession. • Nothing must protrude from the side of the float.
• Decor will be exposed to the weather and should be able to stay in shape should they get wet.
• Decor should be fire proofed (using flambar or other fire-proofing liquid).
• Appropriate fire extinguishers should be on the float to tackle any fires that may occur.
• Decor must be at least a 1m from the ground.
• Dimensions of the structure must not exceed the lowest height or the narrowest width restriction on the route (please contact production company to confirm).

Electrical Equipment on the Float

To keep everyone safe, all electrical appliances need to be in safe working condition.

• Electrical appliances must be tested, and proof of testing is required to be available for inspection.

Electrical Supply on the Float

Petrol generators will now not be allowed unless an integral installation on the vehicle.

• Diesel is a much safer fuel, less flammable and the fumes less toxic. Safer still would be to get your electrical supply from a battery, such as a leisure battery used in boat and caravans.

Whatever you use to supply electricity to your appliances, it must be:

• Secured so that it will not shift or move in transit
• Earthed – so that you will not receive a serious or fatal electrical shock, especially if the weather is wet or you are standing or touching metal (i.e. the truck). Some small generators have what is called a “floating earth”. Know how your system is earthed. FLOAT SAFETY
• Leads or wires that connect your appliance to the power source should be RCD protected (Residual Current Device). This is an extra source of protection for “tripping” the electrics if the wires are damaged or overloaded. 

There will be a safety inspection of your float before it is allowed to participate in the procession. Event Safety Advisors will be looking for all the points made here in this guide. If the float does not meet the required safety standards or cannot be altered on site to meet the required safety standards, then it will not be able to join the parade.