Guidance Notes
To help you complete your parade application, please read the guidance carefully.
This is the first step to marching at Pride in London 2024!
There are several sections for you to complete, and each must be completed in full before the application can be submitted.
Applications can be submitted from 18:00, 5th December 2023, to 23:59, 31st January 2024, (subject to space availability).
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
You will be added to the waiting list if the group category is at capacity. Please DO NOT attempt to register in another category, as this may invalidate your application.
Primary contact details, contact name & email address
This person will be your group's primary contact for Pride in London. Their name will not be placed on the public website and will remain only visible to the Pride in London parade team. You will also be asked to create a password so that you can return to your application and the dashboard. This is the only email that can log into your application.
Secondary contact details
To ensure groups receive urgent information, groups are required to add a second person’s contact details. This information will also not be visible on the public website but only to the Pride in London parade team. They will receive any announcements from the parade team the primary contact receives by email but cannot log into the parade application system.
Application group name
Your group name will be shown on our website and your parade placard.
Group details
Your group name should clearly state who you are for people who may see it for the first time. Please avoid acronyms if they are not widely known. You are much better off listing the name of your group in full; for example: ‘EPMU’ should be entered as ‘European Pride Managers Union’.
Each group's name must be different.
Your entry is only valid for one brand or group. If you are applying for a company group or brand collaboration (e.g. ‘inter’ type groups), you must apply separately if they want to display separate names. For example, if you are applying on behalf of a retail group that owns more than one brand, you would need to apply for each respective brand for which you want to show branding during the parade.
Group description
Please describe your group. For example, you might be a social group for LGBT+ people, meeting once a month as a free book club. This information is shared on the Pride in London parade pages to help others find your group and understand who you are. What does your group do, and how do you contribute to the LGBT+ community? Please outline the activities or support your group provides to the LGBT+ community. This could be donations made to LGBT+ charities, goods or services you donate, support you provide to LGBT+ staff or any other ways you contribute to the greater LGBT+ community.
This information will be publicly shared on the Pride in London parade webpages. This is limited to 200 characters to enable us to tweet your information on the parade day.
Social media links
Please provide links to your social media and group web pages. Pride in London will place this information on the “Who is in the parade” webpage.
Please provide one or more of the following;
- Website
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Tik Tok
- Snapchat
We expect historic and new posts to align with the Pride Pledge for Inclusivity and support of all LGBT+ communities.
Logo and photo
Our website will have a page to show which groups are in the parade. This is for others watching the parade to understand who you are and why you are marching. To help illustrate to the public who you are, please upload a picture. This can be a logo for your group or a photo of your group.
Group email address
Please provide an email address that the general public can use to contact your members of the public who often see parade groups and want to contact them, so this is a great way to build connections for the LGBT+ community. Please do not use your primary personal email address; it should be the one used on behalf of your group. This information will be public on the Pride in London website.
Type of organisation
There are four options for organisation type; if you are still determining which one your organisation falls into, please contact the Parade team. Pride in London reserves the right to change the organisation type if we believe a group has made a wrong selection.
LGBT+ Community Group: This is for established charities, CICs, CIOs, and community and grassroots organisations directly related to the LGBT+ community.
LGBT+ Business: This is for digital platforms, entertainment venues, fashion brands, companies, etc, where the business is LGBT+ owned or primarily aimed at the LGBT+ community. Sub-brands and LGBT+ employee networks of organisations are not eligible for this category.
Nonprofits, Unions & Public Sector: For any organisation, group or association which is a non-profit or community-orientated organisation:
Examples:
- Charities
- Unions
- NHS trusts
- Emergency services
- Unincorporated Associations
- Sports clubs
- LGBT+ school student groups.
Company: Employee network, publicly owned enterprises, public sector body plus any other commercial organisation. All company groups looking to take part in the parade must be members of Pride in the City: https://prideinlondon.org/pride-in-the-city-2024. Your membership and participation with Pride in the City must continue throughout the year, or we can cancel any parade position, retain all sums paid, and pursue any sums due.
Type of parade entry
Parade groups can apply to take part as a walking group or as a float group. Based on your group organisation type and the parade entry type you require, the entry price is calculated.
Group size
The parade has limited space for groups to take part. To safely deliver the parade, we must work to strict limitations on space. The maximum number of wristbands that can be applied for is:
LGBT+ Community Group - 25, 50 or 75 Wristbands
LGBT+ Business - 25 or 75 wristbands
Nonprofits, Unions & Public Sector - 50 wristbands
Company without float - 50 Wristbands
Company with float (including inflatables) – 50 or 75 wristbands
Groups should choose the number of wristbands they need. This space is calculated based on the number of people in the parade and vehicles. It also considers the time the parade will close roads in London and its impact on the transport infrastructure. We ask that you only apply for the number of wristbands you require. If all groups do this, there will be space for more groups who wish to participate. Pride in London reserves the right to offer a parade position with a lower number of wristbands than requested. Your group would only be charged the price band for the approved number of wristbands you receive.
Groups requesting a float
Groups requesting a float (vehicle or inflatable) will be asked to explain why they want to bring a float and whether other options have been explored. While floats can be a great way of ensuring everyone from your group can attend, please consider the environmental impact. The vehicle and the fuel on route create a carbon footprint that would not have taken place if the parade was not there. Also, consider the dressing of the float. If a float is essential to your group, please ensure you ethically source materials and avoid single-use plastics. Please also try to recycle and reuse as much of the float dressing after the event.
Application review
The entry fee and your group’s reference number will be displayed along with the other information you have entered onto the application form. You can review this now and go back to a page to make an amendment if needed.
Agree to the terms.
The parade is a time to celebrate and raise awareness of inequality and injustices faced by the LGBT+ community; however, to promote a safe parade, we require all groups to agree to our Code of Conduct to be in the parade.
The code of conduct can be found here.
Submission of an application is not an automatic place.
All submitted applications are reviewed to ensure groups meet the spirit of Pride, agree to the Code of Conduct, and meet the Pride Pledge. Pride in London receives many applications for participation each year. As such, we can only guarantee the requested number of wristbands will be granted and confirm acceptance of an application for a float once this review process is completed, so please wait for the formal confirmation by email from the Pride in London organisers.
Once a category is full, applications for such category will be closed. Any further applications will be added only to a waiting list.
Pride pledge
All groups must sign up to our pledge to create a greener future. Pride in London expects parade groups to be able to demonstrate the proactive steps they have taken to minimise the impact on the environment. Pride in London also requires all groups to agree to follow the guidance issued.
Agree to pay the entry fee.
If your group is offered a place in the parade, you agree to pay the associated fee (the correct and total cost of the wristbands and/or float). This should be done as soon as you receive your parade application approval. Your group’s participation status will not be finalised, and your place won’t be secured until you have paid the fee. If payment has not been made by 1 May 2024, we reserve the right to:
- Charge your interest at a rate of 4% above the base rate of Barclays Bank Plc until payment has been made.
- Cancel your application, but the fees will still be payable to us.
If you decide to withdraw after 1 April 2024, we reserve the right to request payment if this has not been made. If payment has been made, this will be forfeited.
Next steps
Here is what happens after you submit your application before you hear back from us:
- Your application will be checked to ensure it has been completed fully and for any clear errors, such as a limited company applying as a non-profit organisation.
- Our Community Engagement Team will then review the application, and the Board of Pride in London will decide on the number of wristbands issued and float approval.
- The Parade Team will then update the application system and inform all groups of the outcome.
- You can expect to hear from us by the end of February at the latest
- Confirmations will be sent by email.
Public information
The following headings will be used and made public from the information you provide on the Pride in London “Who is in the parade” webpage for 2024
- Group name
- Photos you provide
- Description of your group
- What your group does for the LGBT+ community
- Category of your group
- Your group's email address
- Links to your social media
For any further information, please email parade@prideinlondon.org or attend one of our pre-application sessions, which will take place on:
- 13 December 2023 - 6:30 pm online meet.google.com/nat-qkqj-zzu
- 19 December 2023 - 6:30 pm online meet.google.com/oky-hamt-vzs
- 4 January 2024 - 6:30 pm online meet.google.com/ydk-mwgq-wvp
We will provide a brief summary of the application process and system. This is the same system as we used last year. The briefing will remain open until 8:30 pm if anyone wants to log in at any time if you have any questions.
Parade Application Guidance
To help you complete your parade application, please read the guidance carefully.
Groups without Floats
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 during the weeks
- Children are required to wear wristbands and are considered as part of your group allocation, except children in strollers and those who are not able to walk will be held throughout the parade.
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 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 becomes separated. If you require assistance, 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 intends to bring an assistance animal, please let us know before the parade.
- Any pets and animals participating in the parade are the full responsibility of the owner and/or the user.
Arrival times
- Pride in London is the biggest LGBT+ event in the United Kingdom, so help keep it moving during the day! The following guidance should be adhered to 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 10.00am and as late as 4:30pm. 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 while walkers are arriving and preparing to start marching. This will take place from 8.00 am to 11:00 am.
- The experience on the day is more than the march itself; it is having the chance to interact with other LGBT+ participants and allies 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 (this might vary due to unexpected circumstances and obstacles on the 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 illegal substances will be reported to the police and excluded from the parade.
- 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 any 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 participating in the parade.
- All people in the parade must keep moving at the parade pace and minimise gaps. Please do not stop for photos or to perform en route, as this slows the parade down and holds up the people waiting to join behind your group.
- Your parade group must stay on the sides and in front of vehicles or other parade groups. This is for the safety of your group and the pride in London volunteers. Please do this to ensure your group is allowed entry in future.
- Please do not bring single-use plastic to the parade. We will provide 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 leaves rubbish in the areas provided. On route, there will be no bins.
Limitations of activity in the parade
- Solicitation donations or the collecting of money is prohibited. This includes “text to donate” signs and cash and card payments on site. The distribution of confetti or adhesives (such as stickers or similar) is prohibited. These add to the cleaning cost of the event, impact 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 smoke inhalation by parade groups and spectators. Sampling and handing out merchandise or other items must be requested and approved in writing before the parade. Please email parade@prideinlondon.org for more information.
- Music can be played reasonably on the parade route (after the start arch and up to the finish arch) but not in the form-up or dispersal area. This is due to the proximity of other people for an extended period.
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 recycle and reuse as much of the materials used after the event.
Design elements
- 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 trolleys 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 essential, diesel. Please consider the environmental impact of generators.
Parade briefings - Essential information for group leaders.
- For new and returning groups, the parade briefings provide invaluable information, and the in-person briefings allow you to meet other groups and the parade team face-to-face.
- You must be given as much detail as possible on what to expect on the day and the essential document deadlines. 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 or online.
Dates, location details or links to the online sessions will be provided in advance.
Parade socials
We will be looking to organise social events so you can meet other group leaders and the parade team.
We hope to have you join us in the parade and look forward to seeing you at a parade briefing.
Float Groups with Float
Guidance notes and specifications for parade groups with floats
We want your group and everyone watching to have a fabulous time. Each group must commit to the following guidance and specifications to do this safely.
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. Please adhere to the code of conduct or the guidance and specification documents to ensure your group is allowed entry in future years.
Your parade group
Parade wristbands
- We issue wristbands for the safety and comfort of everyone participating in the parade. 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 during the
twoweeks leading up to the parade. - The wristbands will need to be distributed and worn before arriving at the entry point.
- Children are required to wear wristbands and are considered part of your group allocation, except children in strollers and those who cannot walk will be held throughout the parade.
Age Limitations
- For safeguarding reasons, we have an age restriction for parade participants.
- Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult responsible for their safety and welfare for their time at Pride in London.
- If your group has children in attendance, please ensure you have the appropriate safeguarding measures and plans for what to do if your group becomes separated.
- If you require assistance, 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 with no provisions for pet loos.
- Many animals who are fine in other busy situations may find this distressing.
- If a member of your group intends to bring an assistance animal, please let us know before the parade.
- Any pets and animals participating in the parade are the full responsibility of the owner and/or the user.
Arrival times
Pride in London is the biggest LGBT+ event in the United Kingdom, so help keep it moving during the day!
The following guidance should be adhered 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 10.00am and as late as 4:30 pm. 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 while walkers arrive and prepare to march. This will take place from 8.30 am to 11:00 am.
- The experience on the day is more than the march itself; it is having the chance to interact with other LGBT+ participants and allies 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 (this might vary due to unexpected circumstances and obstacles on the 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 illegal substances will be reported to the police and excluded from the parade.
- 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 reusable 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 any 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 participating in the parade.
- All people in the parade must keep moving at the parade pace and minimise gaps. Please do not stop for photos or to perform en route, as this slows the parade down and holds up the people waiting to join behind your group.
- Your parade group must stay on the sides and in front of vehicles or other parade groups. This is for the safety of your group and the pride in London volunteers. Please do this to ensure your group is allowed entry in future.
- Please do not bring single-use plastic to the parade. We will provide 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 leaves rubbish in the areas provided. On route, there will be no bins.
Limitations of activity in the parade
- Solicitation donations or the collecting of money is prohibited. This includes “text to donate” signs and cash and card payments on-site. The distribution of confetti or adhesives (such as stickers or similar) is prohibited. These add to the cleaning cost of the event, impact 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 smoke inhalation by parade groups and spectators. Sampling and handing out merchandise or other items must be requested and approved in writing before the parade. Please email parade@prideinlondon.org for more information.
- Music can be played reasonably on the parade route (after the start arch and up to the finish arch) but not in the form-up or dispersal area. This is due to the proximity of other people for an extended period.
Float/ Inflatable Design briefings
- We are introducing a float/ inflatable design briefing this year. If you are looking to have a float or inflatable, you will be able to obtain design guidance from this briefing.
- A chance to determine the requirements for floats and inflatables early and critical dates for information to be submitted.
- Tips and guidance from suppliers.
- The opportunity to ask any questions you may have with respect of the design of floats and inflatables.
- The briefings will take place online, and dates and links to the online sessions will be provided in advance to groups that have provided they will have a float or inflatable.
Parade briefings
Essential information for group leaders.
- As a group with a float, you must be given as much detail as possible on what to expect on the day and the essential document deadlines.
- To ensure you have the most up-to-date information and can ask questions, all vehicle and inflatable 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 or online. Dates and location details or links to the online sessions will be provided in advance.
Roadworthiness
- All vehicles must be legally roadworthy to drive to the start of the parade, participate in the parade, and leave dispersal afterwards.
- 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 must 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 inform us 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 5:00 pm on 1 May 2024.
- Please do so to avoid the vehicle being excluded from participating 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 specifications 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 issue additional wristbands or grant technical team members access 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 essential, diesel. Please consider the environmental impact of generators.
- If people will be on your float, ensure 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 vehicle wheels must be exposed so people around the vehicle can see the hazard.
- Please see the Float Safety Document for more information
Vehicle size
- All vehicles must be within the size limits provided or cannot take part in the parade.
- Vehicles which can usually drive through London roads may not be able to travel down the parade route. At points along the parade, barriers are placed into the road, which narrows the path and reduces the turning circle compared to the usual road width. As per your application, the maximum length is 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 at most 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 authorised people are driving the vehicles, we are required to provide the Metropolitan Police Service with a list which contains the following information:
- The full name as per the photo ID of the driver
- The driver's licence number
- The current home address of the driver
- The driver's 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 1of June 2024 If we do not have this information by then, 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) must have a co-driver. This is to ensure that the cars always have an approved occupant 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 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 also needed to be added to the parade portal before the 1st of June 2024.
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. Your wheel stewards must be present before the vehicle leaves the form-up area. Otherwise, such vehicles won’t be allowed to participate in the parade. You are required to bring 6 for a small float, being a vehicle with four wheels and 8 for a larger 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 car) down the sides to keep people away from the wheels when moving. The final steward is behind the vehicle to stop people trying to walk too close behind it so the driver cannot see them.
- Wheel stewards must also ensure parade members do not pass down the sides of your vehicle when the parade is en 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 driving, they must remain in position until the vehicle reaches the parade's end and re-joins traffic.
- We will provide a high visibility t-shirt for each wheel steward, which must be worn to stand out in the busy parade area.
Inflatables
- The design of your inflatable must be sent to us by 5 pm on 1 May 2024.
- Please do so to ensure the inflatable is approved to participate 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 specifications or parade guidance.
- Please consider this before ordering your inflatable.
Contractors
- There will be an area adjoining the production area for float contractors to park. We will need to provide details to our production company and for checks to be carried out before they will be authorised to park in this area and obtain accreditation to enter the production area.
- The area will also be available for inflatables to be prepared. We will need to provide details to our production company and for checks to be carried out before they will be authorised to enter the area.
- Please let us know if your production company requires access by 1 May. We can only do necessary checks if this has been provided by this date.
Dispersal Area
- You will be responsible for making your vehicle roadworthy in the dispersal area or deflating and removing your inflatable.
- You need to ensure you can do so, as our production company will pass on any costs they incur.
General environmental consideration
- The parade happens 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 meet other group leaders and the parade team.
We hope to have you join us in the parade and look forward to seeing you at a parade briefing.
Parade Briefings
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 or online between December 2023 and May 2024.
- There will be multiple opportunities to attend and plenty of notice will be given for each of the dates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Q: Is there an entry fee for the parade?
A: All groups except LGBT+ community walking groups must pay a registration fee. All company groups looking to take part in the parade must be members of Pride in the City: https://prideinlondon.org/pride-in-the-city-2024
Q: Is there a limit to the number of wristbands allocated to each group?
A: Yes, a limited number of wristbands are 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.
Children under 16 years old must be accompanied at all times by an adult responsible for their safety and welfare for the duration of their time at Pride in London.
Q: Are children within groups required to wear wristbands?
A: Yes, children who are participating with a group must wear a wristband, except children in strollers and those who are not able to walk and will be carried throughout the parade.
Q: Is nudity allowed in the parade?
A: 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 you to leave it at home as it can be extremely hot and overly noisy, which is detrimental to the animal's 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.
Only the primary contact email can be used to view the dashboard. If you require this to be amended, please contact parade@prideinlondon.org
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 allows 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.
There are three types of parade briefings we are providing this year:
- Pre-Application Briefings: a brief presentation and a chance to request questions. We will be there for a couple of hours if you have any questions and want to pop into the chat to ask a question.
- Float Design Briefings - if you are looking to have a float or inflatable, we will be providing guidance.
- Parade Briefings - the parade briefings are there to provide invaluable information, and the in-person briefings allow you to meet other groups and the parade team face-to-face.
Further details are shown in the Groups Without Floats and Groups with Floats sections.
Q: Can we have smoke bombs on our floats?
A: Smoke bombs or flares are prohibited 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 has on the cleansing.
Q: Is there an alternative to having a motorised float?
A: Yes, you can consider the option of having an inflatable balloon.
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 parade's start. If you are wearing a costume, please come dressed or alternatively use nearby hotel facilities to change.
Float Safety
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.