Orchard West, in proud partnership with Dartford Borough Council and sponsored by Taylor Wimpey, is delighted to announce the return of Dartford Pride 2026.
This year’s festivities mark a major milestone as the event celebrates its 5th anniversary by expanding from a single-day event into a vibrant, town-wide week of celebration from June 8th to June 14th.
Since its inception, Dartford Pride has grown into a cornerstone of the local cultural calendar. To celebrate five years of progress and unity, the 2026 programme moves beyond the main stage to include a diverse array of community events, including a Pride exhibition at Dartford Museum, "Pride Specials" offered by local high street businesses, and a creative poetry workshop.
Fan-favourite host Anton Stephans (X-Factor, Genie in Aladdin Pantomime 2025) is confirmed to return to lead the main stage entertainment. The week’s highlights also include a hilarious Drag Bingo night with local drag legend Dee Star, a community fair, and a special screening of the iconic film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Terri McCann, Creative Learning Manager and Organiser of Dartford Pride, said:
"I am incredibly proud of how Dartford Pride has evolved over the last five years. What started as a single afternoon of music has blossomed into a vital week of visibility and connection for our local LGBTQIA+ community. This event is about more than just a party; it’s about creating a space where everyone feels they belong and can see themselves reflected in the town’s culture. I’m so excited to see the community get involved through the museum and our local shops, and I can’t wait to reveal our full headline line-up very soon—it’s going to be our biggest year yet."
Leader of the Council, Jeremy Kite MBE, said:
“It’s hard to believe it’s five years since the launch of Dartford Pride. There have been some incredible guests over the years and the event has created some incredible memories that have brought the whole community together. We work with so many groups and communities through the year to encourage events that are open and fun for everyone. Pride’s all about celebration, so it's great to see a number of groups put on their own events to create a week of activities right across the town.”
Jason Stokes, Sales and Marketing Director at Taylor Wimpey South East, said:
“Dartford Pride is a fantastic celebration which brings the community together. The event has gone from strength to strength over the last five years and we're pleased to be offering our support again this year. With a brilliant line-up, I’m sure everyone attending will have a great time.”
While the full star-studded line-up remains under wraps for now, organisers promise a mix of national talent and local stars that reflects the diversity and spirit of Dartford.
Tickets for the main event remain FREE, reinforcing the commitment to making Pride accessible to everyone. Those who book their free tickets in advance will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win tickets for upcoming performances at Orchard West.
For more information, visit www.orchardwest.co.uk or follow @DartfordPride on Facebook and Instagram for the latest announcements.
Dartford Pride 2025
Media Contact:
Kay Hadley
Venue Marketing Executive
About Orchard West:
Orchard West is Dartford’s premier performance space, providing a temporary home for world-class entertainment and community engagement while the Orchard Theatre undergoes refurbishment.
About Dartford Borough Council:
Dartford Borough Council is committed to supporting a diverse, inclusive, and vibrant community through local initiatives, heritage projects, and public events.
About Taylor Wimpey:
Taylor Wimpey is building new homes across Kent, including at its Knights Reach development in Dartford. A choice of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses is currently available, along with a range of offers to help make moving easier and more affordable.
Further information about Taylor Wimpey and the new homes available in the South East can be found at www.taylorwimpey.co.uk
Images from Dartford Pride 2025 available here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/qz3r2b3yqkoa72wrbe6sl/AFFrM3KL3yT77ZSVTV-JSWo?rlkey=kahl17uqp44cmwx67i5g4ejke&st=9d1kpcdc&dl=0