Calling all queer students and allies. National Student Pride is back for its 20th anniversary, and it’s set to be bigger, bolder, and queerer than ever. As Europe’s largest LGBTQIA+ student festival, this annual event is all about fostering community, celebrating identity, and amplifying queer voices. Taking place from 28th February – 1st March 2025 at the University of Westminster, Marylebone Campus, London, this festival is a must-attend for young LGBTQ+ people looking to connect, learn, and party in a safe, inclusive space.
Nonchalant is an official media partner this year, so we’ll be heading there to see what it’s all about and bring you the freshest coverage.
For a taste of what’s coming, check out highlights from the 2023 festival below:
What to Expect at National Student Pride 20251.
Welcome Party – Friday, 28th February
Why not kick off the weekend in style with the Welcome Party, featuring drag performances, the #STUDENTPRIDE Awards, and, of course, the G-A-Y Heaven afterparty to keep the celebrations going into the early hours.
The Free Saturday Daytime Festival – Saturday, 1st March
The main event – taking place at the University of Westminster, this free festival is packed with activities, performances, and discussions, including:
- Main Stage Panels & Celebrity Interviews – Covering key issues within the LGBTQ+ community, with past guests including Joe Lycett, Sir Ian McKellen, Lady Phyll, Olly Alexander, and Munroe Bergdorf.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Royalty – Your fave queens will be hitting the Main Stage for some legendary performances. - Music Stage – Featuring up-and-coming LGBTQ+ artists bringing the vibes all day long.
Researching the Rainbow – Showcasing groundbreaking queer research from post-grad students across the UK. - Careers Fair – Meet 80+ inclusive employers looking to hire LGBTQ+ talent.
Charity & Community Marketplace – With 25+ vendors and organisations celebrating and supporting queer identity. - Therapy Puppy Room – Back by popular demand because nothing beats cuddling puppies when you need a break.
Inspiring Panel Discussions
This year’s panels will spotlight two crucial topics: Queer Healthcare and The Future of Pride. Expect game-changing convos with experts, activists, and community leaders breaking down what’s next for LGBTQ+ well-being and celebrations worldwide.
Celebrity Guests & Pink Carpet Moments
National Student Pride always brings the icons—and this year is no exception. We’re talking Fra Fee, Amy Spalding, Jessica Kellgren-Fozard, Misia Butler, and more. Get those selfie angles ready and keep your eyes peeled for exclusive interviews and candid moments.
Researching the Rainbow
Brains and brilliance collide in this segment celebrating groundbreaking LGBTQ+ student research. It’s where academia meets activism, and where fresh ideas will shape the future of queer history, culture, and rights.
Show-Stopping Entertainment
No Pride is complete without killer performances, and National Student Pride 2025 is serving up CATTY, plus drag royalty Ula Lah, Don One, Rilesa Slaves, Freida Slaves, and a lineup of insanely talented student performers.
Career Fair with Inclusive Employers
Landing a job that truly embraces who you are? Yes, please. This career fair is your golden ticket to meeting inclusive employers who actually get it. Whether you’re job-hunting or just networking, this is a space built for you.
How to Attend
The festival is open to LGBTQ+ students and allies, with tickets available online. And don’t forget: there’s an exclusive 20th-anniversary celebration kicking off on 27th February, so you won’t want to miss out.
As Nonchalant is covering the event, keep your eyes on our channels for all the highlights.
See you there,
Nonchalant x
This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.
