Victoria Road in New Brighton will be closed on Saturday, August 8, from 7am to 7pm for Wirral Pride, as the event celebrates its fifth anniversary. The closure covers the main stretch of the Victoria Quarter, transforming the area into a hub of entertainment for the family-friendly celebration.
Road closure details
The main closure is on Victoria Road between its junctions with Rowson Street and Windsor Street. Grosvenor Road will also be closed between its junction with Victoria Road and Hope Street, and Waterloo Road will be closed between Wellington Road and Victoria Road. These closures are expected to affect access through one of New Brighton's key destinations during the festival.
Event schedule and entertainment
The event begins at 10.30am, with stalls opening before performances get underway throughout the day. Wirral Pride, previously known as New Brighton Pride, returns with a programme of music, dance and entertainment. Performers will include Birkenhead's Benjamin Gillham, Mandi Fish, DJ Jules, Liverpool Rainbow Chorus and Richard Sefton.
Organisers say the event is intended to celebrate joy, acceptance, visibility and community, while remaining free for everyone to attend. Founder and director Jamie Lee Carter said Pride provides an opportunity to celebrate progress while standing together and looking towards a more inclusive future.
Background and accessibility
The event has grown from its beginnings in 2022, when Carter began developing the idea after seeing the isolation experienced by people during the Covid-19 restrictions. The first New Brighton Pride attracted a larger-than-expected turnout and has since become an annual community celebration.
Accessibility will also be a key part of this year's event, with a BSL interpreter on the main stage throughout the day. The Pride Market & Services stalls will open from 10.30am, offering a quieter opportunity to browse before the crowds build.
