Herts Pride will welcome people from across Hertfordshire and beyond for its 14th event, with a packed programme running from 12pm until 10pm.

This year’s theme, Pride and Thrive, celebrates wellbeing, inclusion, connection and resilience, while recognising the importance of creating communities where LGBTQ+ people can feel supported, included and able to thrive.

A packed Main Stage

Joining this year’s entertainment as special guest is Jaymi Hensley, best known as a member of Union J, who rose to prominence after the group finished fourth on The X Factor in 2012 before going on to release two studio albums.

Jaymi has since built a varied career across music, television and musical theatre, including touring the UK in the title role of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He has also maintained strong connections with LGBTQ+ entertainment, including joining the launch line-up of Hits Pride UK.

Also taking to the Main Stage will be the London Gay Men’s Chorus, Europe’s largest gay choir. Around 25–30 singers will bring their celebrated mix of pop, musical theatre and uplifting choral performance to Herts Pride.

Acclaimed married drag duo Adam All & Apple Derrieres will bring music, comedy, cabaret and plenty of energy to Cassiobury Park. Adam All, often referred to as the “Godfather” of the modern UK Drag King scene, was named Best Drag Artist at the 2024 PinkNews Awards, while Apple Derrieres brings extensive theatre, cabaret and West End experience. Together, they are also behind the celebrated Drag King night BOiBOX.

West End vocalist and cabaret performer Emma Lindars also joins the line-up. Her extensive theatre career includes appearances in the original London casts of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Shrek the Musical, Made in Dagenham and Groundhog Day.

Elton John fans are in for a treat too, as Rob Taylor brings his All About Elton tribute to the Main Stage, celebrating some of Sir Elton John’s best-loved music.

Returning Herts Pride favourites The Fabulous Lounge Swingers will bring their distinctive combination of swing, pop mash-ups, unexpected covers and sing-along favourites. Their career has included appearances at Glastonbury, Bestival, Camp Bestival and Mighty Hoopla, as well as performances at some of London’s best-known venues and appearances as the original Big Brother House Band.

The programme also showcases performers with strong local connections. ADA!R, whose music is rooted in queer experience, spent five formative years living in Watford after moving to the town at just 16 and returns to perform at Herts Pride. Tiger Jazz, known as “Watford’s King of Swing”, will bring music from the Great American Songbook to the Main Stage.

Allan Jay & The Boys, Alfie Ordinary, Davina Sparkle, Ophelia Payne and many more complete a diverse programme of live music, drag, cabaret and entertainment throughout the day.

Keeping everything moving will be Main Stage hosts Fiona Flange, Allan Jay, Stephanie Von Clitz and Tina Fuller from VIBE 107.6FM, bringing entertainment, humour and energy to the stage across the ten-hour event.

The entertainment programme is being delivered with Herts Pride’s official entertainment partner, Karpow Entertainment, supporting the event in showcasing LGBTQ+ artists alongside established favourites, emerging performers and local talent.

Much more than the Main Stage

Herts Pride is about much more than live entertainment.

Across the event site, visitors can explore the Wellbeing Marquee, Market Zone, Sports Zone and Emergency Services Zone, enjoy the Funfair and Dog Show, discover organisations and services from across Hertfordshire, and choose from a range of food and drink.

The Pride and Thrive theme places wellbeing at the heart of this year’s event, alongside the celebration, visibility and community that have been central to Herts Pride since its beginnings.

“Herts Pride belongs to the whole county”

Tyson Martin, Chair of Herts Pride, said:

“This will be our 14th Herts Pride and I’m incredibly proud that what began as an idea to bring our community together has become Hertfordshire’s county Pride – welcoming LGBTQ+ people, their families, friends and allies from right across the county and beyond.

“Pride is absolutely a celebration, and we want people to come to Cassiobury Park, enjoy themselves and have a fantastic day. But Pride has always been about more than one day of entertainment.

“At a time when LGBTQ+ people in the UK and around the world are still experiencing discrimination and hostility, and in some countries persecution simply because of who they are or who they love, events like Herts Pride continue to matter.

“Our theme this year, Pride and Thrive, is about more than being visible. It’s about creating communities where LGBTQ+ people can feel safe, supported and included, look after their health and wellbeing, make connections and have the opportunity not just to exist, but to thrive.

“Herts Pride belongs to the whole county. We’re incredibly fortunate to have support from businesses, public services, local authorities and community organisations from across Hertfordshire, alongside the people who give their time to make the event happen.

“We couldn’t deliver Herts Pride without our sponsors, partners, volunteers, performers, stallholders and supporters, and I’m enormously grateful to them all. I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Cassiobury Park on 22 August.”

Supported by organisations across Hertfordshire

Herts Pride 2026 is made possible through the support of businesses, public bodies, community organisations and partners from across Hertfordshire and beyond.

This year’s supporters include CeX as Headline Sponsor and sponsor of the Community Stage, Hilton London Watford supporting the Entertainment Zone, Holland & Barrett as Lead Wellbeing Sponsor, WHSmith supporting Herts Pride volunteers, GSK supporting Accessibility & Inclusion, and UNISON supporting the Quiet Zone.

Other areas of the event are supported by organisations including Watford FC, ICAB and NHS Professionals, alongside community wellbeing support from Hertfordshire County Council, Watford Community Housing, Three Rivers District Council and Hertsmere Borough Council.

Long-standing event supporter and Hertfordshire-based company Just Smile Events and Production also works alongside Herts Pride to deliver the professional stage, sound and lighting production that brings the Main Stage to life.

Herts Pride also thanked Watford Borough Council, the emergency services, community partners and the many organisations and individuals who contribute time, expertise, resources and support to help deliver the event.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said:

“I’m thrilled to welcome Herts Pride back to Cassiobury Park. It is such a joyful event and a great opportunity for people to come together to celebrate diversity and inclusion.

“Sadly, however, I’m aware that hate towards the LGBTQ+ community has increased recently, with some people intent on creating division within our community. That’s why events such as Herts Pride are so important.

“I’m glad that this year’s theme – Pride and Thrive - highlights the importance of wellbeing and inclusion and recognises the importance of creating communities in which LGBTQ+ people feel safe. I want Watford to be a place where people are free to live and love without fear or discrimination, so I’m delighted that we can help support this important event.”

Tickets

Herts Pride 2026 takes place at Cassiobury Park, Watford, on Saturday 22 August 2026 from 12pm to 10pm.

Herts Pride is a ticketed event and advance booking is encouraged.

Advance tickets are £12 for adults, £10 for young people aged 13–17 and £30 for a family ticket. Children under 13 attend free with a responsible adult. Free Essential Companion tickets are also available for eligible attendees.