Banbury Pride raises money for 29 May 2027 at The Apothecary Tap, Butchers Row, on Saturday 24 October, 4pm to 7pm, with Red Texas live and a Pride raffle.

Banbury Pride is holding its first fundraiser for the 2027 event at The Apothecary Tap on Butchers Row on Saturday 24 October, from 4pm to 7pm. The bar is putting on an afternoon of live music, with local trio Red Texas supported by Family of Noise, and Pride is running a raffle alongside it.

The money goes towards Banbury Pride on Saturday 29 May 2027. The organising committee told us in a press release on 13 October that it wants to keep the day in the town centre, and is looking at spreading it from Butchers Row into part of the Market Place.

What is happening on 24 October

The committee promises “a rather fabulous Pride raffle with some fantastic prizes”, plenty of laughs and “the unmistakable spirit of Banbury Pride”. The music is organised by The Apothecary Tap itself. Its own event listing describes it as “a rare performance from local trio ‘Red Texas’ supported by ApTap favourites ‘Family of Noise’”, and gives 4.30pm as the start time for the music, half an hour after the Pride afternoon opens.

There is no entry charge and no ticket to buy. Banbury Pride says it is pay what you want on the day, with donations collected towards 2027.

Rob, owner of The Apothecary Tap, said:

“We’re delighted to be supporting Banbury Pride, which has brought such welcome vibrancy, colour and energy to our town. Pride plays an important role in making Banbury a place where everyone feels welcome and included, and we’re pleased to play our part in helping it grow.”

Eight people and a golden retriever on a small stage decorated with rainbow and Pride flags, one man in the centre wearing a mayoral chain
On the stage at Banbury Pride, with Pride flags and bunting overhead. Photo: supplied by Banbury Pride

Raffle prizes wanted from businesses

The fundraiser is the start of a wider drive for 2027. The committee is asking local businesses and individuals to help through sponsorship, donations and raffle prizes, and says businesses in particular can give gift vouchers, experiences, meals or treats. “Every contribution will help make next year’s celebration possible,” it says.

A spokesperson for the organising committee said:

“We want Banbury Pride to be something the whole town feels part of. That’s why the support of local businesses, organisations and individuals is so important.

“The Apothecary Tap is putting on a brilliant afternoon of live music, and we’re delighted to be joining in with our Pride fundraiser. It’s a chance to have a fantastic time, support a great cause and help us create an even bigger and better Pride in 2027.

“Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, a friend, an ally or simply someone who loves seeing Banbury come alive, you’re very welcome!”

A group of people posing in front of an Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue engine with rainbow livery and the slogan Fires don't discriminate, neither do we
A group in front of an Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue engine in rainbow livery at Banbury Pride. Photo: supplied by Banbury Pride

What the September meeting decided

When we reported the 2027 date in September, the committee had left decisions on the location, budget and sponsorship until after a public meeting at Banbury Town Hall on 30 September.

According to the committee, the people at that meeting “expressed a strong preference for keeping Pride in the town centre”, for the part it plays in bringing people together and supporting local businesses. The meeting also produced fresh ideas for next year.

The committee says this year’s Pride drew around 2,000 people. It is now exploring expanding from Butchers Row into part of the Market Place, with more live entertainment, community activities and room for local organisations to take part. Nothing in the release says that expansion is confirmed.

The spokesperson added:

“One message came through clearly from those who joined our public meeting: Pride belongs in the heart of Banbury.

“It’s about much more than one day’s celebration. It’s about bringing people together, supporting our town centre and creating something colourful, welcoming and full of life that everyone can enjoy.

“Pride brings its own special kind of magic to Banbury, and we’re determined to build on that for 2027. Let’s keep the heart of Banbury beating with Pride!”

Friends sitting round an outdoor table on a sunny street hung with rainbow bunting, with drinks and a rainbow balloon
Friends at an outdoor table under rainbow bunting at Banbury Pride. Photo: supplied by Banbury Pride
A performer in a pink jumpsuit, big hair and heart-shaped sunglasses talks to a man wearing a mayoral chain on Butchers Row
A performer in pink on Butchers Row at Banbury Pride, with the street's sign behind. Photo: supplied by Banbury Pride

What it means for you

  • When: Saturday 24 October 2026, 4pm to 7pm (music listed from 4.30pm).
  • Where: The Apothecary Tap, 10-11 Butchers Row, Banbury OX16 5JH.
  • On the bill: Red Texas, with support from Family of Noise, plus the Pride raffle.
  • Cost: no entry charge or tickets; pay what you want, as a donation to Banbury Pride.
  • Who can come: everyone, the committee says.
  • Got a prize or want to sponsor? Email the organising committee at banburyprideteam@gmail.com.
  • Pride itself: Saturday 29 May 2027, in Banbury town centre.

The fundraiser falls on the Saturday before October half term. For everything else on this month, see what’s on in Banbury.