Visitor Info
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Ticket and Gate Information
There are two entry and exit gates on site for the general public to use. These gates are the Main Entrance on Above Bar Street and the Village Entrance through the Civic Centre Car Park on Civic Centre Road.
Gates open to the general public at 11am - we regularly have long queues at the Main Entrance from 10:30am so please plan for this.
Those with disabilities who are unable to queue for long periods, may use a seperate entrance via Commercial Road and West Marlands Road.
Tickets
Southampton Pride is a free event for all and does not require the purchasing of tickets or free tickets to be ordered before the event. Simply turn up at our entrance gates and join the queue for entry.
Tickets may be required for any after-party events or external events outside of the Southampton Pride event. Contact the event organiser for more information.
Security Information
Southampton Pride is manned by trained security staff, volunteers and representatives of Hampshire Police.
Restricted Items
Due to a number of health and safety requirements imposed on us, we have to restrict liquids from entering the Southampton Pride site. Security will ask for any bottles or containers which are unsealed and contain liquids to be emptied before entry - only bottles or containers which are still sealed will be allowed into the venue. Exceptions may be made for baby food and drink but this remains at the discretion of our security staff and we will support any refusal on health and safety grounds.
Alcohol is not permitted to be brought onto the site under any circumstances. Alcohol purchased off site and consumed on site would contravene our licensing agreement with Southampton City Council and would result in a licence not being granted again. Southampton City Centre is a restricted alcohol area and it must only be consumed within the site cordon.
Bag Searches
All members of the public who bring bags, luggage or prams onto the site must consent to a bag search by trained security staff before being allowed entry. This applies each time you enter the site regardless of if you've entered before. While we understand the frustration this can cause, we have a duty to protect all our visitors and bag searches ensure the protection of our site.
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Travel by Public Transport
Guildhall Square is located in Southampton City Centre, close to West Quay Shopping Centre and on the site of Southampton City Council.
Guildhall Square is a short 5-10 minute walk from Southampton Central Station, please be advised that the direct walking route from Central is up a steep hill. Should this be a hindrance to your travel, please speak to the station staff who can advise of a secondary and more accessible route.
If travelling by bus, all major bus routes which enter the city centre will be able to provide easy access to our event. However please be aware that Above Bar Street will be closed to vehicular access all day on the Saturday 26th August 2023 from very early. This will involve some diversions and time changes to the bus services which would normally service this route. Contact your bus service provider for more information near to the event date.
Please also be aware that various other roads will have short term closures in the City Centre between 11pm and 1pm due to our Parade which may impact the bus services.
More information on the route of this parade can be found on the Parade page of this site, and our social media pages.
Travel by car
Guildhall Square is located in Southampton City Centre, close to West Quay Shopping Centre and on the site of Southampton City Council.
We do not have any car parks on the site due to the city location, and the Civic Centre car park will be closed. We would advise all visitors to travel by other means where possible, but if you do need to travel by car then pay and display car parks are located at:
NCP Southampton Portland Terrace (<1 mile away)
West Quay Shopping Centre (<1 mile away)
Grosvenor Square (<1 mile away)
Eastgate Multistorey Car Park (1 mile away)
All of these locations are pay and display but offer long stay parking solutions.
Please be aware that Above Bar Street will be closed to vehicular access all day on the Saturday 26th August 2023 from early. Please also be aware that various other roads will have short term closures in the City Centre between 11am and 1pm due to our March.
More information on the route of this March can be found on the March page of this site, and our social media pages.
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General Health and Safety Tips
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Stay hydrated (you may bring in empty refillable water bottles)
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Wear sunscreen
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Look after your friends
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If you need to seek medical support for any reason at a Pride event visit the First Aid team on site as soon as possible they are there to help.
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Report any hate crimes you witness to Hampshire Police
Your health and safety
We take the safety of attendees to Pride very seriously. As with all health messaging, we work with our NHS and other multi-agency partners to share health and safety information.
COVID-19 is still around. If you feel unwell, have a temperature or have flu or COVID-like symptoms you should stay at home and avoid contact with others. More info: www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Health services are extremely busy. Please make sure you use the right services for your needs so the NHS can continue to provide the best possible care for those that need it.
Please only use A&E if it’s an emergency. Medical help or support is available at Pride events as well as walk-in services and NHS11 for advice.
If someone is unwell, don’t leave them alone. Send someone to get help.
Tell medical staff if any drugs or alcohol have been taken. You won’t get into trouble, but it will help them to help your friend.
First aid teams will be located within the Pride Village. A volunteer will be able to direct you or assist you in getting to them.
NHS 111
Help is available 24/7 and trained operators offer advice and guidance for urgent healthcare needs when it is not an emergency. They can advise on where local NHS services are, help with prescriptions and offer self-care advice. Call 111 or go online to 111.NHS.uk.
Visit a pharmacy
If you have a minor health concern you can visit a local pharmacy for expert advice.
Pharmacists are healthcare professionals trained in managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice.
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