At that time, the two gay pubs on Paradise Street, The Jolly Farmers and The Castle Tavern, held a street party with barbecues, games and entertainment. The idea of starting a Pride event in Oxford began back in 2002 at the Spring Bank Holiday celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee.
With a colourful queer history dating back some 600 years, Oxford Pride continues the tradition of celebrating lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer life in Oxfordshire by providing information, education and entertainment in a welcoming and inclusive environment. People are drawn to the beautiful architecture of the University buildings, the inspiration for art, poetry and popular stories of Tolkien, Morse, Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter. The original town and farms have grown into a bustling city that welcomes people from around the globe, to experience and learn from the past, to be entertained and inspired for the future. Established in the 9th century, and home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, people are known to have lived here for thousands of years. Oxford, with its Dreaming Spires by the River Thames, is internationally famous for its unique place in history. Membership of Oxford Pride is open to all, if you wish to join please complete this form. Oxford Pride is a registered charity run by a dedicated team of volunteers.
