Shoppers and Pride-goers are turning out to Dudley this July as RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Tia Kofi headlines Dudley Pride, a free, family-friendly celebration of LGBTQ+ life with music, stalls and street fun that promises an inclusive afternoon for the Black Country community.

Essential Takeaways

  • Headline act: Tia Kofi, winner of series two of the BBC’s RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, is performing as the headliner, closing the event at 8pm with a lively set.
  • Free, local festival: Dudley Pride takes place at Stone Street Square on Saturday 18 July, kicking off at 1pm under a large marquee with DJ Porky starting the party.
  • Packed programme: Expect drag sets from Trixie Lee, DJs including James Wommersly, returning favourite Karl M, theatre from WMYT and live queer riot girrrl band Temper Tantrum.
  • Family-friendly fun: More than 30 stalls, crafts, street food, face painting, glitter tattoos and entertainers create a colourful atmosphere that’s easygoing and accessible.
  • Community-backed: The event is sponsored by local firm Haystoun, who praised organisers and volunteers for bringing people together.

Tia Kofi brings star power and a feel-good finish

Tia Kofi’s name on the bill gives Dudley Pride a proper headline moment, and you can feel the anticipation in the programme notes. According to event listings, the show wraps with Tia’s performance at 8pm, which means an evening-high energy finale for a day of family-friendly activities. Fans will recognise Tia from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, and that star recognition helps put Dudley on the map for anyone thinking of making a day trip.

A tidy local festival with a big heart

Organisers have kept things compact and welcoming. The celebrations are centred on Stone Street Square and will run under a large marquee to shelter the music and main acts, while DJs and street performers fill the surrounding area. Dudley Council’s events pages list the festival details, and the structure , scheduled acts, stalls and a set start and finish , makes it easy for families and groups to plan their visit.

More than a headline: a diverse line-up

Dudley Pride isn’t just one performer on a stage. The bill mixes drag, theatre and local bands, including WMYT West Midlands Youth Theatre and the queer riot girrrl band Temper Tantrum, giving a range of acts for different tastes. DJs like James Wommersly and crowd favourites such as Karl M add club energy in the afternoon and early evening, while craft and food stalls keep things grounded and local. If you like variety in your festival day, this one delivers.

Why local sponsorship and volunteers matter

Local firm Haystoun sponsors the event and has praised the volunteers and organisers for their work, a reminder that grassroots Pride events often rely on community support. That sponsorship helps keep Dudley Pride free to attend, which matters if you want an inclusive event without the gatekeeping of ticketed festivals. Expect practical touches , accessible staging, family areas, and visible stewarding , because local councils and sponsors usually focus on making these events approachable.

Practical tips for going to Dudley Pride

Arrive early if you want a good spot near the main stage , the marquee fills up. Bring cash for small stall purchases, though many vendors may take cards. If you’re coming with children, plan a meet-up point in case you get separated, and indulge in the face painting and glitter tattoos for quick fun. Check dudleypride.org.uk for the full running order and any last-minute info on accessibility or transport.

It's a local celebration with national sparkle , worth a stroll, a cheer, or the occasional dance move.

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