Pride Halton 2025: Bigger and Stronger Than Ever

By: Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

PRISM Halton has announced its plans for Pride Halton 2025, set to take place on July 20. The event promises to be a more vibrant and inclusive celebration than ever before.

This year’s celebration marks a significant step forward as the organization builds on the momentum of the past two years. It will feature a festival immediately following the parade at the Milton Fairgrounds, bringing a whole new level of excitement, according to Melanie Tremills, chair of PRISM Halton, in an interview with The Milton Reporter.

“This year, we are building on the momentum of the past two years and transforming the energy of the Pride Halton 2025 march into a festival straight after the parade finishes,” Tremills said.

Pride Halton 2025 aims to bring together even more participants from Halton Region and beyond, making it the largest celebration to date. The parade will feature an expanded list of groups and participants, while the Pride in the Park event will include a vendor market, a kids’ zone, and entertainment throughout the day. A ticketed 19+ drag show in the hall will conclude the day’s celebrations.

“We are expecting more groups and participants from both Halton Region and beyond,” Tremills added. “Pride in the Park will be a celebration of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, with something for everyone to enjoy.”

PRISM Halton, the sole organizer of the event, has seen the parade nearly double in size since its inception. The organization continues to respond to the needs and feedback of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. A community survey following the 2024 event led to the introduction of Pride in the Park this year.

The message for Pride Halton 2025 is clear: Pride 365: Beyond the Parade, Beyond the Month. Tremills emphasized that visibility, inclusion, and support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community must extend beyond Pride Month and become a year-round priority.

“Pride Halton 2025 is more than just a celebration—it’s a call to action,” Tremills said. “We invite the entire community to live, support, and advocate for Pride every day of the year.”

PRISM Halton continues to foster inclusivity by ensuring all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community feel seen, valued, and celebrated. The event brings together people of all identities, backgrounds, and experiences to create spaces for connection and solidarity.

“We want everyone to feel empowered, whether they are marching in the parade, dancing at the festival, or finding support through our partnerships,” Tremills said.

While new partnerships and potential sponsors are expected, the event is still in the planning stages. However, Tremills remains confident that these collaborations will continue to grow.

“Each year, we see the event’s growth and its positive impact on the community,” Tremills said. “We’re excited about the new partnerships and opportunities to collaborate.”

Spreading the word is essential, and PRISM Halton is inviting local media, organizations, and individuals to help promote Pride Halton 2025. Tremills stressed that every bit of publicity and support helps raise awareness and visibility for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

“We want to ensure everyone in the region knows that there is a community here for them,” Tremills said. “The more people who can get involved, the bigger and stronger this event will be.”

PRISM Halton is also encouraging volunteers to sign up to help plan and organize the event, whether behind the scenes or as part of the parade.

“We are always looking for passionate volunteers to join us in making this event unforgettable,” Tremills said.

The impact of Pride Halton 2025 will extend far beyond the day of celebration, Tremills noted. It offers an opportunity to shift perspectives, foster acceptance, and create a welcoming environment where attendees can embrace their authentic selves.

As excitement builds for this year’s celebration, Matthew George, a volunteer board member at PRISM Halton, echoed Tremills’ enthusiasm.

“We would love to see as many people as possible join us,” George said. “There are countless ways to get involved and make this event unforgettable.”

PRISM Halton continues to work with the local community, businesses, and organizations to ensure that Pride Halton 2025 will be a resounding success. Those interested in supporting, attending, or learning more can visit www.pridehalton.com for the latest updates and event details.