BUTE PRIDE is set to return bigger than ever this summer after Bute LGBTQ+ Community Group secured National Lottery funding to support both the event and a year-round
programme of activities.
The group has received support from the National Lottery Awards for All programme, with the announcement made during its monthly Bute LGBTQ+ Social at Bute Yard.
The funding will support Bute Pride Weekend, which takes place from August 7 to August 9, as well as a programme of social and community activities for LGBTQ+ people on the island over the following year.
The centrepiece of the weekend will be the Bute Pride Parade on Saturday, August 8, which will gather at the Isle of Bute Seasports Club before setting off at 1pm.
Celebrations will then continue at Bute Yard from 2pm, with an afternoon of live entertainment including music, drag, comedy and community stalls.
Confirmed performers include local cover band Double Nugget, singer Charlotte Henry and ukulele group Rainbow Ukes, with the event hosted by Ripper Moff.
Further performers and activities are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The wider Pride weekend is also expected to include a film event and a wellbeing afternoon at Bute Community Forest.
Organisers say the funding will allow the group to expand its work beyond the main Pride weekend, helping to reduce isolation, build friendships and strengthen LGBTQ+ community life on Bute.
Community members are being encouraged to suggest future events, workshops, walks, sports activities, outdoor events, arts projects and social gatherings they would like to see delivered on Bute or in nearby communities.
Bute LGBTQ+ Community Group Chair Ruth Gebal said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received this support from National Lottery Awards for All and would like to thank National Lottery players for making this Pride Weekend and year long programme of activities possible.
“This funding will help us continue building a welcoming, supportive and visible LGBTQ+ community on Bute
throughout the year, while also ensuring that Bute Pride 2026 can be our biggest and best celebration yet.
Ruth added: “We want to show everyone just how welcoming this little island is to LGBTQ+ people and their friends, families and allies. Everyone is invited to join us for Pride Weekend from 7 to 9 August.
“We hope it will be a joyful, positive and memorable weekend that brings local people and visitors together in celebration, while also encouraging many people to discover everything that Bute has to offer.”
Local MSP Jenni Minto welcomed the funding announcement. She said: “Pride events are always key dates in the calendar especially in our rural and island communities.
“It has been such a joy to attend Bute Pride in recent years. Watching the event grow has been amazing and the happiness it brings to the LGBTQ community on the island as well as all those who travel to join in the celebrations is just wonderful.
“I am so glad that this funding has been secured to help continue Bute Pride’s growth. I can’t wait to join the parade in August.”
Anyone wishing to suggest activities for the year-round programme can contact the group at [email protected].
More information is available at https://e-voice.org.uk/ butepride/, on Instagram at @butelgbtqplus or through the Bute LGBT+ Facebook page.
