Trains to Birmingham Pride

An amazing reason to visit Birmingham

How to get to Birmingham Pride by train

Birmingham Pride promises to dazzle and empower visitors and locals alike. A massive 75,000 people are expected to visit the city each year for the celebrations.

Birmingham is perfectly positioned for travel from all parts of the UK. Trains to Birmingham Pride run from London Euston to Birmingham New Street, taking approximately one hour and 22 minutes. Trains from Manchester, on the other hand, take an hour and a half.

From Centenary Square, where the parade usually kicks off, Birmingham New Street station is a 10-minute walk. You can expect big crowds, so aim to arrive early to enjoy the day.

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What to do at Birmingham Pride

The parade portion of Birmingham Pride starts at Centenary Square at 11 am. It proceeds around the city centre before making its way to the LGBTQ+ village. It’s here that there are live performances and music stages. They’re set up alongside funfair rides and entertainment activities.

Visitors in previous years have enjoyed music from the likes of Becky Hill and 90's pop sensation Steps. Revellers can soak up the atmosphere, dance and sing along, or learn more about what Pride has to offer.

Food and drink vendors line the streets, creating a lively family-friendly atmosphere. Everywhere you look, you can expect to see dazzling outfits and Pride flags.

About Birmingham Pride

Established in 1997, Birmingham Pride is free for all to attend and welcomes everyone. Pride is more than just an annual event to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of the city.

Since 2015, Birmingham Pride has raised and donated over £500,000 to LGBTQ+ charities and support groups. As well as donating to deserving causes, Pride has also raised £275,000 for a multitude of LGBTQ+ projects.

Celebrating its 26th year in 2023, Birmingham Pride continues to champion visibility, equality, and freedom.

Live Proud with Avanti

In a world where anyone can be anything, we all want the opportunity to be ourselves. That’s why we’re encouraging colleagues, customers and communities to share their spark. And when it comes to Pride, we’re proud to stand out.

On our Pride page, you’ll see what we’ve been up to over the last few months and our plans for the future. You’ll also find it a useful spot to bring yourself up to speed with what Pride means and why it matters.

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We’re determined to make a difference. We’ve worked with the LGBTQ+ community and our Inclusion Council to raise the bar. At Avanti West Coast, we’re committed to creating a team that works for all of us. We know it’s not enough to say it – we must live it too. Every single day. That’s why we’ve introduced Live Proud. It’s a big part of our plans for inclusion and gives us a clear programme to work with our people to deliver an inclusion initiative that’s meaningful for everyone. That means more support in the community, too!

When you get to Birmingham Pride, be sure to look out for Avanti staff in the parade and give us a friendly wave!

Ways to save on your train ticket to Birmingham Pride

When you book your train to Birmingham Pride, be sure you don’t pay more than you have to.

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Families come in all shapes and sizes, but our Family Fares are always on the smaller side. Save 1/3 on adult fares and 60% on kids’ fares with a Family & Friends Railcard. It costs £30 a year, or £70 for three years. You can use it for up to four adults and up to four children aged 5-15.

The best ways to save on your train fare include booking in advance or travelling off-peak. And remember, if you’re a student, make use of your student railcard.

For all the best prices on train tickets, book well in advance with Avanti West Coast.

Get the app

Whatever the event or whichever Pride you plan to attend, download the Avanti West Coast app. Stay up to date on the latest train times and book an Avanti West Coast journey directly using the app. This way, you’ll always pay the lowest price.

Getting to Birmingham

Heading to Birmingham? Go by train with Avanti West Coast

Plan your visit Avanti West Coast Trains

  • Accessible Public Telephones

    Located opposite Network Rail Reception on the main concourse

  • Accessible Taxis

    Taxis drop off within the 'drop & go' off the Hill Street entrance.

    The taxi rank is on Navigation Street (Stephenson Street / Victoria Square exit).

    All taxis are accessible with manual wheelchairs, most are accessible with electric wheelchairs.

    For more information visit Traintaxi

  • Accessible Ticket Machines

    Staff available to assist where required.

  • Customer Help Points

    Available at Customer Reception and station floorwalkers

  • Height Adjusted Ticket Office Counter

    Floorwalkers are available to assist all customers

  • Impaired Mobility Set Down

    Assistance is available to and from platforms, though we can help more effectively if you call us in advance on 0121 654 2528 (Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00) or outside these times 0121 654 4243.

    Alternatively, please contact Passenger Assist of the relevant train operator:

    • West Midlands Railway - 0800 024 8998
    • Avanti West Coast - 0800 0158 123
  • Induction Loop
    Yes
  • National Key Toilets

    Close to Platforms 1A and 12A and Platforms 10 and 11B

  • Ramp For Train Access
    Yes
  • Staff Help Available

    Monday to Sunday – 07:30 to 23:59

    Journey Care assistance is available prior to travel via the relevant Train Operator:

    We can provide assistance at the station during the hours we're open to the public. Passengers can book additional assistance on the day at the Network Rail reception or call 0121 654 4243. 

    However please be made aware that if arrangements haven't been made via Journey Care prior to travel, there will be a wait but our policy is to make it happen.

  • Step Free Access

    The footpath to the new entrance from Hill St is now step free, and there is level access from the drop off point.

    All platforms have lifts and escalators

  • Wheelchairs Available
    Yes