Veterans Pride, the UK’s only event of its kind dedicated to LGBTQ+ veterans and serving personnel, returns to Liverpool for its third year on Friday 24 July 2026, with a cabaret style evening taking place at HMS Eaglet on the eve of Liverpool’s Pride.
The event brings together LGBTQ+ veterans, serving personnel across all strands of the military and their allies for an evening of reflection and celebration. Many of those attending served during the decades when LGBTQ+ personnel were banned from the Armed Forces, a ban that remained in place until January 2000, and Veterans Pride offers a chance to welcome them back into the Service family and recognise their service and, ultimately, their personal sacrifices.
Veterans Pride was founded in Liverpool in 2024 by three local volunteers, all veterans, in response to Recommendation 21 of the LGBT Veterans Independent Review, which was published in June 2022, and called for the Armed Forces to take positive action to encourage LGBTQ+ veterans to attend service events. The event was highly commended at the Rainbow Honours 2024 for Community Initiative of the Year, and now returns to HMS Eaglet for a third time with the support of a range of community partners.
This year’s lineup includes a headline performance from acclaimed singer songwriter Horse McDonald, whose long and illustrious career has seen her tour with artists including Tina Turner, BB King and Bryan Ferry.
Amanda Collier, who appeared on Traitors Series 4, will give a keynote speech about her experiences serving in the police force and her time on the show.
West End star Gillian Hardie returns to host the evening for a second year, with entertainment from local talent, singer and saxophonist, Jess Stretton.
RAF veteran and fine artist Dr David Iddon will exhibit his collection ‘In the Navy’, exploring vintage queer love.
Facility Manager at HMS Eaglet, and Veterans Pride organiser, Ann Miller-McCaffrey, said:
“I truly believe that if those before me hadn’t done what they did, I wouldn’t have had the experiences I’ve had, and those following me wouldn’t have the opportunities yet to come. We owe so much to the veterans who sacrificed and suffered under the gay ban, and Veterans Pride exists to recognise that. Three years on, it’s grown into something for everyone, whatever your background or your connection to the Forces, and that’s exactly the direction we want to keep building in.”
Guests are encouraged to dress ‘authentically glamorous’, in keeping with the event’s relaxed take on black tie, with no expense expected. The evening includes a welcome drink and hot buffet, plus the chance to meet local community charities at stalls throughout the night. HMS Eaglet is wheelchair accessible, with accessible toilets, accessible parking and a quiet space available.
Tickets cost £20 and are available now via OutSavvy: CLICK HERE