Stay safe at Pride

Festival areas can get busy during the weekend. Decide on a meeting point in a quieter area in case you get separated and you have no phone reception or battery to get in contact.

If you see someone who looks like they're struggling or needs some help, ask if they’re ok and direct them to support if they need it.

Stewards and security staff will be around Pride venues to help you.

Avoid dehydration and a bad hangover by drinking plenty of water.

You can take an empty refillable water bottle into Preston Park with you, and there are water points marked with blue flags.

You can ask for water from bars and shops at the Pride Street Party. Refill points are also available in the city centre.

Have a good time but know when to stop drinking or call it a night. 

Reduce your risk of overdose - avoid mixing drugs with other drugs, alcohol or prescription medication.

The best way to look after your sexual health and avoid catching an STI is to use protection. Free condoms are available from Terrence Higgins Trust at the Park or in LGBTQ+ venues in the city. 

If it's a hot and sunny weekend make sure you find shade, use suncream and watch out for sunburn or heat exhaustion.

Suncream applications will also be available from the Welfare Tent in Preston Park.

If you’re on the beach, only swim in the lifeguarded areas between the red and yellow flags. Remember it’s never safe to go into the sea when you’ve been drinking alcohol.

Crowded environments can be overwhelming. If it gets too much, find a place that’s quieter and take a break. Let someone know if you’re going to leave the group or head home.

No one wants to miss out, but if you don’t feel well, don’t risk passing anything on to others.

Alcohol and drugs can impair your judgement – don’t feel pressured into drinking, taking drugs, having sex or going somewhere you don’t feel comfortable. If you’re not interested in doing something that your friends are doing, remember that you don’t have to.