Celebrate, create and be seen , London has launched its bid to host WorldPride 2032 and is inviting LGBTQIA+ artists, photographers and communities worldwide to co-create the event’s official visual identity, marking the 60th anniversary of the capital’s first Pride march and putting community participation at the campaign’s heart.

Essential takeaways

  • Open call: LGBTQIA+ creatives and Pride communities worldwide can submit photographs and logo outlines to shape London’s WorldPride 2032 identity.
  • Two strands: A design competition for an original logo outline and a global photography campaign will feed into a mosaic-style final artwork.
  • Prize and reveal: The winning designer receives £3,000 and the full artwork will debut on Outernet London’s giant screens in October 2026.
  • Partners on board: Pride in London, Outernet, UK Black Pride, the Mayor’s office, Tripadvisor, The Independent and The Standard are key partners.
  • Legacy moment: The bid coincides with the 60th anniversary of London’s first Pride march, aiming to blend history, activism and celebration.

Why London’s bid puts community creativity front and centre

London’s approach is striking because it hands the paintbrush to the people who matter , the global LGBTQIA+ community. The bid committee is asking for thousands of images that will be stitched into one living mosaic, a textured symbol that will feel like it’s made of real lives, not just a designer’s idea. That tactile, people-made quality is the point: this won’t just be a logo, it’s a crowd-sourced story of resilience, joy and belonging.

The invitation reflects a wider trend in public events toward participatory, representative design. According to the bid’s organisers, submissions will come from everyday Pride moments as well as professional photographers, creating a layered archive. If you’re thinking of entering, shoot with bright, candid moments in mind , faces, flags, quiet gestures , because the mosaic effect rewards recognisable human detail.

How the two-part campaign works , design and photography

There are two linked initiatives. First, a design competition asks UK-based LGBTQIA+ creatives to submit an original logo outline that captures London’s diversity and the significance of hosting WorldPride. Second, a global photography campaign calls for images that celebrate Pride, identity, allyship and belonging. Together, they’ll form a single visual identity.

Practical tip: check the submission guidelines on the Pride in London website for technical specs and eligibility. The deadline is 25 September 2026, and the winner will be announced in early October , tight timelines, so plan your shoot and mock-ups now.

Who’s backing the bid and why it matters

The bid isn’t just a creative exercise; it’s supported by civic and commercial partners who can amplify the event globally. Tripadvisor has pledged substantial in-kind marketing support, while The Independent and The Standard will contribute decades of Pride photography to the final artwork. The Mayor’s office is also co-chairing, signalling political weight behind the campaign.

That mix of partners aims to fuse cultural credibility with reach. For entrants, that means your work could be seen on worldwide platforms and on Outernet’s famous screens , a rare chance for broad exposure and to contribute to a moment of international significance.

The historical moment: 60 years since London’s first Pride march

The 2032 bid coincides with a major anniversary: six decades since the capital’s first Pride march in 1972. That gives the campaign a stronger narrative , it’s not just about a festival, it’s about legacy. The Independent and The Standard’s archival images will help bridge past and present within the artwork, so submissions that nod to history or continuity may carry extra resonance.

Organisers have framed WorldPride as both celebration and political statement, especially at a time when LGBTQIA+ rights face pressure in parts of the world. As Lady Phyll of UK Black Pride emphasised, this must be about justice, belonging and visibility, not just spectacle.

How to enter and make your submission stand out

Start by reading the entry rules on the Pride in London site. For logo designers: keep shapes bold and adaptable , your outline needs to work large on Outernet screens and small on social icons. For photographers: submit high-resolution, emotionally clear images that show personality and context , movement, colour and genuine expression translate well in mosaics.

Think about diversity in subject, background and lighting. A mix of intimate portraits, street shots and archival-style images will help the mosaic tell a fuller story. And yes, include those small, quiet moments of allyship , they’re often the ones people connect with most.

It's a small way to leave a lasting mark on Pride's shared future.

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