Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has issued advice ahead of hundreds taking over Liverpool's city centre and waterfront this weekend. On Saturday, July 25, Liverpool Pride will return for a day filled with love, music, and community as the 2026 festival gets into full swing.
Pride March and cruise passengers
Huge crowds are expected to take part in the Pride march through the city centre before the celebrations move to the waterfront and Pride Quarter. On the same day, passengers will be boarding a cruise ship at the terminal heading to Normandy and Dorset. Fred. Olsen has reminded passengers of travel preparation.
The company said: “The Pride event starts at 10am, with speeches in the city centre from 11am. The march starts 11.30am from the city centre, ending at 12.30pm at Lord Street, where a staggered dispersal will begin. This is around half a mile from the cruise terminal. Please allow extra time for your journey to Liverpool. Trains are expected to be very busy.
“Road closures will be in place in and around the city centre, meaning roads leading to the port will likely be busier than usual. Please still only arrive at the cruise terminal during your allocated check-in slot. The Liverpool Cruise Terminal is small with very limited seating.
“Guests will only be permitted into the terminal during their allocated check-in slot. Bag drop will be open from 11.30am, allowing you to leave your large cases securely.
“The Crown Plaza hotel is just a short stroll away, which has a bar area. The city centre is around a 10 to 15 minute walk. There are plenty of attractions and coffee shops within a walking distance of the terminal. Check-in will close promptly at 4pm.”
Liverpool Pride 2026 details
This year’s festivities will see two of the city region's leading LGBTQ+ organisations joining forces to deliver what they describe as a "bold, inclusive and community-first" festival. Following extensive community engagement in 2025, Sahir and LCR Pride Foundation announced a formal partnership to organise the event under the banner Liverpool's Pride, with the 2026 edition carrying the subtitle "Liverpool's Pride – powered by Sahir & LCR Pride Foundation."
The organisations say the collaboration marks a renewed commitment to putting LGBTQ+ communities across Liverpool City Region at the heart of Pride. Under the agreement, Sahir will oversee the overall coordination and delivery of the festival, while LCR Pride Foundation will lead on the Pride March, parade logistics and community stalls. A new community forum will also be established to help shape future Pride events.
The centrepiece of the weekend will be the Liverpool Pride March, which will begin on Houghton Street, outside St John's Beacon, before making its way through the city centre via Church Street and Paradise Street, finishing on Lord Street. Designed to improve accessibility, this year's route removes the need for the road closures used in previous years. For 2026, the march will be walking only, with no vehicles or floats, placing the focus on community participation and collective visibility.
