PRIDE 2026

As Pride 2026 celebrations continue through the summer across the UK and beyond, we’re celebrating some of the artists, organisations and projects supported by PRS Foundation. From new releases and live performances to festivals and initiatives creating space for LGBTQ+ voices, these highlights showcase the breadth, creativity and impact of LGBTQ+ music creators across the UK. Check out some highlights from Pride Month and beyond.

MEEK

Fresh from a series of acclaimed showcases at SXSW in Austin, Texas, supported through the International Showcase Fund, UK pop artist the fabulous MEEK will perform at Pride in London (Saturday 4 July) and Manchester Village Pride (Saturday 29 August) this summer.

Rina Sawayama

Rina Sawayama is the cover star of the June issue of British Vogue. In the interview, she discusses her forthcoming third album, taking her first steps as an actor and why being a queer Asian musician is “freeing”. Rina’s debut album was supported through the PPL Momentum Music Fund.

Self Esteem

Self Esteem who received our Open Fund for Music Creators early in their career is set to perform on the main stage at Brighton & Hove Pride’s Pride on the Park festival on Saturday 1 August. The annual celebration takes place across the entire weekend at Preston Park.

Walt Disco

Known for their dramatic, 1980s-inspired sound, six-piece band Walt Disco champion themes of queer self-expression and individuality. Supported through both the PPL Momentum Music Fund and the International Showcase Fund, the band begin a UK tour this summer, with dates including Three Tanners Bank, Future Yard, The Trades Club, The Tree House, Boiler Room and Sneaky Pete’s.

Problem Patterns

Fresh from a performance at Waterford Pride, ferocious queer punk four-piece Problem Patterns will also feature on PRS Foundation’s new podcast series. Their episode, recorded live during the International Showcase Fund’s 20th anniversary celebrations at The Great Escape, will be released in August.

Come Play With Me

Pride Month is an opportunity to reflect on how we support LGBTQ+ colleagues, artists, students and communities – not just in June, but throughout the year. Our Talent Development Network organisation Come Play With Me has created a streamlined one-hour version of its LGBTQ+ inclusion workshops for Pride Month, providing core knowledge and practical tools to help organisations build more inclusive workplaces.

Oh Yeah Music Centre

Drag Wounds’ Annual Trans Pride Festival Fundraiser (Saturday 1 August) takes place at Talent Development Network organisation Oh Yeah Music Centre, with 50% of proceeds supporting Trans Pride and 50% going to the Belfast Trans Resource Centre. The all-ages event offers a safe and welcoming space, featuring a diverse line-up of artists, genres and vendors.

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

From Chappell Roan to Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Francis Poulenc, centuries of LGBTQ+ music will be celebrated when the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra presents Scotland’s first Pride-themed concert by a professional orchestra in Glasgow. BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra have worked with numerous grantees including on recent recordings with Composers’ Fund supported Amelia Clarkson.

Britten Sinfonia

Benjamin Britten was unable to speak openly about his sexuality during his lifetime. This year, Talent Development Network organisation Britten Sinfonia celebrates the legendary composer at the Aldeburgh Festival, honouring both his musical legacy and his enduring influence. Celebrate the legendary Composer with Summer at Snape and discover Britten and Pears’ extensive art collection at their home The Red House.

Bristol Beacon

Nat Oaks, alumnus of Bristol Beacon’s Next Level artist development programme, will perform on the Bristol Pride Main Stage on Saturday 11 July. Bristol Beacon is part of PRS Foundation’s Talent Development Network, supporting its talent development work. It’s great to see amazing artists connected to this thriving ecosystem going on to perform at major events like Bristol Pride.

From chart-topping artists and emerging talent to festivals, education programmes and community initiatives, Pride 2026 is a reminder that supporting LGBTQ+ creators means investing in the future of music all year round.