Shoppers and islanders are already talking: Channel Islands Pride has moved its main village to La Vallette Bathing Pools in Guernsey, promising a bigger, festival-style event on 12 September and a welcome, scenic seafront backdrop that could draw thousands.

Essential Takeaways

  • New location: La Vallette Bathing Pools replaces Market Square as the main Pride village, offering seaside views and more space.
  • Parade route stays: The parade still begins at the Rainbow Steps in Market Square and marches through town to the pools.
  • Longer party: Festivities run from about 13:00 until 21:00 on the day, with additional events on the surrounding weekend.
  • Festival feel: Organisers say the move is driven by growth and the desire to create distinct zones and activities , think performance spaces, stalls and chill-out areas.
  • Welcoming tone: La Vallette staff emphasise inclusivity: the event aims to be for LGBTQ+ people, allies, families and visitors.

Why the move to La Vallette feels like a step forward

This isn’t just a change of address , it’s a change of mood. La Vallette’s sun-splashed pools and sea air give Pride a looser, more festival-like energy compared with the compact civic feel of Market Square. Organisers told local media they’d “outgrown” the old site, and the pools let them spread stalls, stages and family spaces without feeling cramped. For attendees it will likely feel breezier and more relaxed, with pockets to linger and better sightlines for performances.

What stays the same: parade, timing and community spirit

There’s comfort in continuity. The parade still gathers at the Rainbow Steps, a colourful and symbolic start point, and marches through St Peter Port to the new village. Events are scheduled to start early afternoon , a gathering at 13:00 followed by the parade an hour later , and the main site will stay open into the evening, so it’s a full-day outing rather than a quick stop. That continuity keeps the ritual that locals love while giving it a fresher backdrop.

How this fits a wider trend: Pride going festival-sized

Across the UK and beyond, Pride events have been shifting from single-place marches to multi-day festivals with music, cabaret and family zones. Channel Islands Pride already mixes community events with entertainment , past line-ups have included pop acts and comedy nights , and moving to La Vallette mirrors that trend. If you’re used to compact town-centre Pride, expect more space, more stages and more ways to get involved this year.

Practical tips for attendees and families

If you’re planning to go, think about logistics. La Vallette’s seafront location means great views but also more walking from town and limited parking on event days, so consider arriving early, using public transport or car-sharing. Bring layers , evenings by the sea can be breezy , and pack sun protection for daytime. For families, organisers are keeping family-friendly zones and activities, so there should be places to sit and let little ones play safely away from louder stages.

What organisers and locals are saying

Liberate, the local LGBTQ+ charity that coordinates Pride, framed the move as a chance to “create something that felt more like a festival,” while La Vallette’s team welcomed the community spirit the event brings. That combo , experienced organisers plus a picturesque venue , sets expectations reasonably high. If the weather behaves, this could be a memorable island Pride: colourful, communal and with a proper seaside soundtrack.

It's a small change that could make every Pride moment feel bigger and brighter on the island.

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