Pride History of Birmingham Tour

It's here, it's Queer. It's Birminghams only Pride History Tour. Step back in time with us, as we’ll tell you the story of how Birmingham’s Gay Village came to be. It’s a fabulous tale…but one of exclusion, acceptance and uncertainty. Starting in 1969, just 2 years after the decriminalisation of homosexuality, we’ll start at the original Nightingale Club Site. We’ll take you on a 5km walk (2 hours) or run (1.5 hours) through the most influential venues and moments from our cities LGBTQ+ scene. Drawing on Pride History from around the World, we specifically look at Birmingham’s journey to becoming one of the UK's most thriving scenes. We’ll also spin around Smithfield’s, home of Birmingham Pride, before finishing our story with a look ahead to a future of increased uncertainty for the survival of the village itself. You’ll leave not only with a sense of pride in our glorious gay village, but you’ll know what jugs, rhinos and foxes have got to do with it all!

1. 1

   The Nightingale Club

   10 min

   Look out for your guide smiling in orange! We'll meet here, and start your tour by telling you the story of Birmingham's first and still-standing gay-friendly venue.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   1.7 hours

   After, we'll walk or run on to various sights and landmarks within Birminghams Gay Village including Pride House, Birminghams Pride Festival location, the AIDS & HIV Memorial, Eden Bar, Jester, The Fox, Missing Bar and The Rhino.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   10 min

   Once a Car Showroom, Sidewalk is another important Gay Venue in our Village forming your penultimate stop before returning back to Nightingale Club where you started your tour.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.