Pride in London, the UK capital’s annual LGBTQIA+ celebration, took place earlier this month and as can be seen from our gallery of photos here, a Chelsea Football Club party joined the thousands there in being seen and heard.
The club alongside Chelsea Pride, our official LGBTQIA+ supporter group, has had a presence at the London parade since 2018 and as has been the case every year since the pandemic, this summer we travelled on a special float on the traditional route from Hyde Park Corner, through Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, and on to Whitehall.
Joining staff from Chelsea FC, the Chelsea Foundation and members of Chelsea Pride were drag queen Paige Three and reporter Snake Denton, plus our mascots Stamford and Bridget, taking the total with the float to approximately 70 in total.
Tracy Brown, Chelsea Pride chair and founder, has been a regular attendee with fellow Blues at the parade and had this to say about the 2026 event.
‘London Pride is a celebration of visibility, belonging and community, and we’re incredibly proud to stand alongside Chelsea Football Club once again. Working together year after year has created something truly special, showing what can be achieved when a club and its LGBTQIA+ community share the same commitment to inclusion. As Chelsea Pride celebrates its 10th birthday later this year, we’re proud of the journey we’ve taken together and excited for everything still to come.’
‘Every London Pride reminds us why this community matters. Seeing thousands of people celebrating love, authenticity and equality together is inspiring, and being part of that alongside Chelsea Football Club makes the day even more meaningful. Pride is about celebrating who we are, supporting one another and creating hope for future generations. Together, we continue to show that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued and welcome in football.’
Anna Phillips, a member of Chelsea’s Fan Advisory Board, added:
‘As an LGBTQ+ Chelsea supporter, it makes me really proud to see Chelsea show strong support for the community, not just during Pride but all year round. Visibility is still so important in football, so it means a lot to know the club is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.
‘Taking part in Pride in London with Chelsea Pride was so much fun. Celebrating with fellow Chelsea supporters and seeing so many people cheering us on was really special.’
Chelsea FC joining Pride in London emphasises the club’s belief that football is for everyone and forms part of our Proud Everyday LGBTQIA+ inclusion strategy.
Trisha Champaneri, the club’s EDI Lead,explains that taking part in Pride in London is just one way we demonstrate our commitment to making Chelsea FC, Chelsea FC Women and Chelsea Foundation a place where everyone feels welcome and valued for who they are.
‘There are many ways to participate in the culture surrounding the beautiful game and many different expressions of football fandom,’ she adds. ‘Whoever you are, there is a place for you at Chelsea.’