National Student Pride (NSP) celebrated its 20th anniversary from 28 February to 1 March 2025 at the University of Westminster's Marylebone Campus. This event, made for students by students, is committed to enhancing the LGBT+ student experience across the UK.
The festivities commenced on Friday afternoon with the UpSkill Careers Afternoon, designed to empower attendees with valuable knowledge and professional development opportunities. This event brought together around 50 attendees who had the opportunity to hear about others' experiences and gain insights into navigating the workplace as a queer individual. A panel discussion, titled Queer Futures: Thriving in the Workplace with Authenticity, explored strategies for LGBT+ individuals to navigate professional environments while staying true to themselves. A series of masterclasses covered topics such as confidence building, presentation skills and interview techniques. The careers event concluded with a networking session, which provided attendees the opportunity to connect with representatives from organisations like Clifford Chance, Deloitte, Aon, Unite Students and L’Oréal.
The evening transitioned into a celebration of queer identities and communities with the Opening Party and the Student Pride Awards, attended by approximately 300 people. Hosted by best-selling author and screenwriter Juno Dawson and Liverpudlian LGBT+ presenter and comedian Charley Marlowe, the event featured performances by Paige Three and concluded with several DJ sets. The festivities continued at the G-A-Y Heaven nightclub, offering free entry, queue jump and exclusive deals.
Saturday's Daytime Festival transformed the Marylebone Campus into a hub of activity. The main stage and bar, hosted by Drag Race winner Tia Kofi and trans activist and author Charlie Craggs, featured engaging discussions and performances. The Queer Question Time focused on the future of pride, with panellists such as London Broadcasting Company's Natasha Devon, Juno Dawson, actor Misia Butler and activist Benjy Kusi. Another notable session, Access Denied?, explored queer healthcare with insights from YouTuber and activist Jessica Kellgren-Fozard, psychologist Ali Bromley and neurodiversity advocate Char Bailey.
The music stage and quiet zone provided spaces for relaxation and entertainment, catering to diverse attendee preferences. The Therapy Puppy Hub offered attendees the chance to interact with therapy puppies, promoting well-being and stress relief. The Careers Fair, recognised as the UK's largest LGBT+ inclusive student recruitment fair, connected students with a wide range of employers committed to diversity and inclusion. The community marketplace, featuring over 40 creators and charities, showcased the talents and initiatives within the LGBT+ community.
The festival also included exclusive pink carpet interviews with personalities like Amy Spalding and Tiara Skye, adding a touch of glamour to the proceedings. The evening culminated with various LGBT+ club nights across Soho, allowing attendees to continue the celebrations in some of London's most iconic venues.
Tom Guy, founder and Trustee of NSP and Westminster alumnus, said: “We were so pleased to hold our 20th anniversary event at Westminster which has been our home for the past 11 years - having students attend from all over the UK for a weekend of conversation, debate, careers and fun, which really utilises the great space of Ambika P3 and the Learning platform at Marylebone. Our student committee put on a fantastic weekend of events, with highlights including Access Denied?, the Queer Health Panel and our Question Time debate.”
Roisin Cockerill, attendee of this year’s NSP, added: “The energy was electric, and the entire event was an outstanding success - bringing together education, artistry and celebration in a way that genuinely highlighted the strength and vibrancy of our community.”
This event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about support for LGBT+ students at Westminster.
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