Wednesday, 4 March 2026
Happy Valley Pride shortlisted
for Gaydio Award
in the "Pride Organisation of the Year" Category
Calderdale-based charity, Happy Valley Pride, have been nominated for an award at the highly anticipated Gaydio Awards 2026
The LGBTQIA+ led and community-driven arts charity have been shortlisted for the coveted "Pride Organisation of the Year" award
The winners will be revealed at the ceremony in Manchester on Friday 20th March
It was revealed last week that a Calderdale-based charity, Happy Valley Pride, have been shortlisted for an award at this year's Gaydio Awards. The LGBTQIA+ led and community-driven arts charity have been shortlisted for the coveted "Pride Organisation of the Year" award at what is a major event in the LGBTQIA+ calendar. This category's prize will be "awarded to a Pride organisation for delivering exceptional events or initiatives for the LGBTQIA+ community in their area."
Happy Valley Pride began in 2016 in response to an act of hate. A piece of homophobic graffiti aimed at a local young person sparked a wave of community solidarity. What started as a banner became a protest, then a gig, and soon a fully-fledged festival. It has since grown into one of the UK's leading rural LGBTQIA+ events, celebrating inclusion, creativity and visibility through everything from cabaret and comedy to talks, workshops and youth showcases.
Support from cultural bodies and successful funding bids, including National Lottery support and Arts Council England grants, has helped expand the programme while keeping many events free or low-cost.
Happy Valley Pride Artistic Director, Tim Whitehead said: "We are absolutely over the moon to have been shortlisted for the Gaydio "Pride Organisation of the Year" award. At Happy Valley Pride, we aim to challenge discrimination and support those who feel marginalised - particularly in smaller towns and rural communities like ours, where isolation can be more common. But at its heart, Happy Valley Pride is also about fun. It's glittery, joyful and full of life – a space to be proud of who you are, while dancing your socks off! This nomination means a lot to our whole team."
Happy Valley Pride run an annual, week-long Queer arts festival every July, featuring national & international artists including Ginger Johnson (winner of the BBC's Drag Race UK), award-winning author Jeanette Winterson, drag superstar Jinkx Monsoon, Brit award-winner Jacob Alon and Olivier award-winners Duckie, as well as championing local talent.
But their work doesn't stop there - throughout the year, they run a diverse range of events and workshops for all ages, bringing new & emerging Queer art to their audiences as well as cherished big name acts. They also organise campaigns that positively affirm the queer community and ensure some of our most vulnerable members get support, such as 'Stand By Your Trans' and the arts driven mental health project, 'Mind Your Head'.
In addition, their pioneering youth programme reaches over three thousand young people through primary and secondary schools and is led by their own community's young people, culminating in the Youth Pride Takeover during the festival in July.
The Gaydio Awards is a special evening celebrating the local charities, committed individuals, and outstanding organisations who work hard every day to enhance and support LGBTQIA+ lives. The evening recognises local charities, passionate individuals, and inspiring organisations who aim to improve the lives of the LGBTQIA+ community. These are the community champions creating safer, more inclusive spaces and pushing progress forward from the ground up.
The awards spotlight this essential and often unseen work. Back in December 2025, twelve of the sixteen categories were opened to public nominations, giving everyone the opportunity to vote for those making a real impact within their Queer community. The winners will be announced at the ceremony, but getting nominated is a huge achievement in itself and one that Happy Valley Pride are extremely proud of.