What is Suffolk Pride Fringe?
Suffolk Pride Fringe Festival is an alternate version of the large-scale pride day encompassing the pride elements of Protest, Education, Wellbeing, and Celebration with 14 events occurring across June.
Being a fringe festival means not all the events are organised by us. We have collaborated with allies and members of the community who also wish to highlight where you can find inclusive, queer-friendly events, venues, and safe spaces in Suffolk. This has allowed for most of the events to be free if not affordably priced.
Suffolk Pride Fringe is for everyone to get involved, with events for young people and families, 18+ and all ages included. We hope you find something that works for you.
Connections
Our 2024 Fringe theme is connections. Through our socials, events and stalls we’ve realised it takes being a part of a community to feel connected. We hear people say there’s nothing on, … don’t do anything, … is rubbish, I never see any queer people.
We’re fortunate to be engaged with what’s happening and we’d like to provide our community with the chance to come and be a part of that. You only need to attend one event and then you will hear about another, build the confidence to come along to something else, start to know people, and learn about a safe space. We know life can get in the way, so we’ve made sure there are enough chances to go around by putting on 14 different events from Friday 31st May to Sunday 30th June, this pride month in Suffolk.
Don’t miss out on some terrific events but most importantly come and connect!
Week 1
Pride BLOOMS
Friday 31st May, 7 pm – 9 pm
The Cornhill – Ipswich
Join us for the start of Pride 2024!
This event at the Cornhill will be for us to bring flowers, listen to speeches and remember those in our community who are no longer with us, who came before us and who paved the way.
It will be followed by a march through the town, and we’d love for you to join us.
This is a free event.
This is an all-ages event.
This is an accessible venue, with a BSL interpreter.
The venues below are providing safe spaces before and after the event if you’re planning on staying in town before heading home or coming into town after school/work.
Rainbow Friday
Friday 31st May, 10:30 pm – 4 am
The Club – Ipswich
Get the party started in style! It’s Pride season & The Pink Mechanic will be DJing all night long. Come celebrate with your community.
Tickets cost £5 if booked online, and £7 if bought at the door.
Get your tickets here
This is an 18+ event.
This is an accessible venue.
Week 2
Suffolk Roller Derby’s Pride Roller Disco
Friday 7th June, 8 pm – 10:30 pm
Inspire Suffolk – Ipswich
A pride roller disco hosted by our local derby team.
Snacks, drinks and merchandise will be available.
Limited skates are available please make your requests here.
Tickets cost £8, pay on site.
This is an all-ages event.
Due to work being carried out at Inspire the venue is not currently accessible.
Luscious Leona’s Camp Night Out
Saturday 8th June, 7:30 pm – Late
La Vida – Felixstowe
Join Luscious Leona and 5 fabulous drag performers for a night of live music, cabaret and entertainment.
This is a free event, but you will still need to book your space here!
This is an 18+ event
Week 3
Queer Noise
Thursday 13th June, 8 pm – 11 pm
The Spread Eagle – Ipswich
Run by a Queer DIY collective putting on free gigs in a safe space. Come for a drink, a dance, and join the mosh at Ipswich’s only Queer punk night.
This is a free event.
This is an 18+ event, operating a challenge-25 scheme. Please bring ID.
Pride Pole Jam
Friday 14th June, 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Henley Community Centre – Henley
A queer-friendly introduction to pole dancing for fitness.
Lauren from SheSizzles will be taking you through the session with help and advice for total beginners who have always wanted to try but never had the confidence. Your time is now!
Tickets cost £8. Book here.
This is an 18+ event.
This is an accessible venue.
New Wolsey Theatre Evening Out
Laugh Out Proud Comedy Show
Saturday 15th June, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
New Wolsey Theatre – Ipswich
Laugh Out Proud at the New Wolsey Theatre will feature the stand-up-comedy delights of Mark Cram, Alice Frick, Katie Price and John Robertson!
Tickets start at £13. Book here.
This is an 18+ event.
This is an accessible venue.
Queer Joy Disco
Saturday 15th June, 9:30 pm – Late
New Wolsey Theatre – Ipswich
Your quarterly free LGBTQIA+ disco is back prouder than ever with DJ Tom of Swindon playing the best of 2024 so far plus some delicious retro treats.
This is a free event, but you’ll need to RSVP. Book here.
This is an 18+ event.
This is an accessible venue.
Week 4
Non Such DJ’s
Friday 21st June, 8 pm – 11 pm
The Spread Eagle – Ipswich
Local duo Non Such will be playing the best in Northern, Tamla, Crossover and anything else that ticks the #wehavesoul box.
This is a free event.
This is an 18+ event, operating a challenge-25 scheme. Please bring ID.
Youth Takeover
Saturday 22nd June, 11:45 am – 4 pm
The Hold – Ipswich
Join Suffolk Pride for our Youth Pride at The Hold. The event begins with our mini march at 11:45am.
The performances will begin at 12:10 with sets from Esme & Emerson, Sophie The Great, MRD, Evie & Ley Lines. Hosted by Slow King.
Live music, open mic, games, stalls, workshops, the First pride bus, arts & crafts. Enjoy a break from everything in The Retreat or the Quiet Room.
This is a free event.
This is a family-friendly event.
This is an accessible venue.
YONDA Nights
Saturday 22nd June, 8 pm – 11 pm
The Spread Eagle – Ipswich
Join YONDA creator & host Slowking for an incredible night of music and games. YONDA merch will be on sale. Doors at 7:30 pm, be there for 8:30 pm if you want to play Rewind Selectah!
This is a free event.
This is an 18+ event, operating a challenge-25 scheme. Please bring ID.
Week 5
B*tch & Stitch
Thursday 27th June, 7 pm – 9 pm
Geek Retreat – Ipswich
Fancy a natter about Jill from work? Are small people who aren’t quite adults getting on your nerves? Did somebody forget all queuing etiquette and push in front of you? Ergh the weather! Or do you fancy showing off your fabulous knitting skills?
Whatever the vent. Crafting skills maxed out or non-existent, you’re invited and very welcome to join us at B&S. Come and have a vent and go into July a little lighter.
This is a free event, but Geek Retreat have a fair use policy where they ask you buy some food or drink throughout the event.
This is an 18+ event.
This is an accessible venue.
Fox Yard Pride Party
Saturday 29th June, 12 pm – 12 am
Fox Yard – Stowmarket
Don’t miss out on a day out in Stowmarket at Pallet Bar, as they invite us to the Fox Yard for a family-friendly day out, food, live music, Pride cocktails, beer specials and more.
Fox Yard Studio is hosting a princess party from 12-1 pm (tickets).
Passione D’ Amour will be serving their delicious food until 6 pm.
Nik Lowe will be Performing in the yard from 8-10 pm.
This is a free event.
This is an all-ages event.
This is an accessible venue.
Wellbeing Walk
Sunday 30th June, Starting at 10:45 am
Beach Street – Felixstowe, IP11 2GN
Come with us to Felixstowe for our last event of the Suffolk Pride Fringe! Join us at 10:45 in front of La Vida by the water fountain as we head for a stroll along the prom. After we walk along the prom to the Felixstowe Sea Front Gardens and back, we will return to Beach Street for lunch. Sit, eat, drink and socialise with your community as we say goodbye to the Fringe and enjoy a relaxing day at the seaside.
This is a free event, but please be aware of the costs around transportation to and from the event.
This is an all-ages event.
This is an accessible event.
Any Fringe updates will be reflected in the calendar below.