ACCESSIBILITY

INFORMATION

Pride Is for Everyone

Pride Edinburgh is committed to making Pride 2026 as accessible, inclusive, and welcoming as possible for all members of our community.

As a volunteer-led charity delivering one of Scotland’s largest annual community events, we know accessibility is not optional — it is essential. Every year we work to improve the experience for attendees with additional access needs, and we take all feedback seriously as part of that ongoing process.

While there are practical limitations within a free, one-day outdoor event in a historic city centre, we are committed to reducing barriers wherever we can and supporting individual access needs whenever possible.

If you require support that is not covered below, please contact us in advance at:

contact@prideedinburgh.co.uk

EVENT OVERVIEW

Pride Edinburgh 2026: Forever Together marks our 29th Pride event in our 31st year.

The event includes:

  • The Pride March through Edinburgh city centre

  • Pride Village and festival spaces across:

    • Bristo Square

    • Teviot House

    • Potterrow Dome

    • University of Edinburgh Futures Institute (Youth Space)

Please note:

  • Large crowds are expected throughout the day

  • Noise levels may be high

  • Some areas include cobbled streets and gradients

  • Attendees with sensory sensitivities may wish to bring ear defenders or other supportive equipment

PLANNING YOUR DAY

We encourage all attendees to review accessibility information before attending.

You are welcome to participate in whatever way feels right for you, including:

  • Completing the full march

  • Joining part-way through the route

  • Using viewing areas

  • Spending time in quieter festival spaces

  • Using the Access Bus service

There is no “right” way to attend Pride.

MARCH ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION

March Start - Scottish Parliament

The march forms from 12:15pm and departs at 1:00pm.

Facilities Available

  • Flat and smooth gathering areas

  • Accessible parking at Holyrood Car Park

  • Accessible toilets at Holyrood Car Park

  • Additional toilets at the King’s Gallery

  • Drop-off points at Horse Wynd and Queen’s Drive (12:00–12:40)

Pre-March Activity

There will be no speeches before the march departs.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will host:

  • A Minute of Noise

  • A Minute of Silence

before the march begins.

ALONG THE MARCH ROUTE

The route includes a mixture of surfaces and gradients typical of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Route Conditions

Cannongate

  • Steep and cobbled

  • Toilets available at:

    • Museum of Edinburgh

    • People’s Story Museum

High Street

  • Uphill cobbles

  • Toilets available at:

    • Museum of Childhood

    • St Giles’ Cathedral

  • Viewing point available

Lawnmarket

  • Mixed surfaces

  • No accessible toilets available

George IV Bridge

  • Smooth surface

  • Toilets available at:

    • Edinburgh Central Library

    • National Museum of Scotland

  • Final accessible toilets before festival area

Bristo Place

  • Smooth surface

  • No accessible toilets

Lothian Street / Potterrow

  • Slight incline

  • Bus drop-off available

Crichton Street

  • Flat surface

QUIET SPACES & WELFARE SUPPORT

George Square Gardens — Chilled Space

Open from 12:15pm.

A calmer outdoor space for:

  • Rest

  • Regulation

  • Taking a break from crowds and noise

Community Quiet Zone

A low-stimulation indoor space open from 12:15pm.

This space is:

  • Inclusive

  • Free to access

  • Open to all attendees, including trans attendees

ON-THE-DAY SUPPORT

We have dedicated welfare and safety teams operating throughout the event, including:

  • 50 trained stewards along the route

  • 25 first aiders

  • 6 doctors on site

  • A designated welfare and treatment area

If you need support at any point during the event, please speak to a steward or volunteer.

Ride With Pride - Access Bus

Our Access Bus is available for attendees who are unable to complete the full march route.

To reserve a space, please email:

contact@prideedinburgh.org

Please include:

  • Your full name

  • Names of accompanying passengers

  • A contact number

  • Whether you require wheelchair space

  • Your upper or lower deck preference

    (Please note: the upper deck is open-top)

Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Toilets & Changing Places

Changing Places Facility

A Changing Places toilet is available at:

University of Edinburgh Library (George IV Bridge)

Additional accessible toilet provision within the festival area will be confirmed closer to the event.

Pride Village Accessibility

Festival spaces across Bristo Square, Teviot House, and Potterrow Dome include:

  • Step-free access

  • Accessible viewing areas

  • Quiet spaces

  • Accessible toilets

  • Food and water access

  • Planned charging facilities

We encourage attendees to take breaks throughout the day and engage with the event at their own pace.

Accessibility Is Ongoing

Accessibility is an ongoing process, not a finished checklist.

We recognise there is always more to improve, and we are committed to learning from our community each year to make Pride Edinburgh more inclusive for everyone.

Thank you to everyone who continues to provide constructive feedback, support, and lived experience that helps us do better.

If you have questions, concerns, or additional access requirements, please contact us before the event and we will do our best to help.

contact@prideedinburgh.org