Nottingham Building Society named official sponsor of Notts Pride 2026

Nottingham Building Society has been named official sponsor of Notts Pride 2026, reaffirming its commitment to championing inclusion across the communities it serves. 

This marks the third consecutive year the 176‑year‑old mutual has sponsored Notts Pride, one of the region’s largest celebration events, which had more than 10,000 people taking part in last year’s parade and festivities – a record-breaking attendance for the event. As part of its expanded programme of support, the Society has also announced it will sponsor Loughborough Pride for the first time this year, building on its support for Belper Pride in 2025. 

Notts Pride 2026 will take place on Saturday 25 July, with the parade beginning at Lister Gate at 12pm, followed by celebrations across Sneinton Market and Hockley. 

Colleagues from across Nottingham Building Society will once again take part in the event, with members of its colleague‑led Pride Network joining the march and supporting activity throughout the day. 

The announcement comes as the Society also marks three years of its colleague-led Pride Network, a growing and vibrant community of colleagues championing an inclusive culture for the LGBTQIA+ community within the society. Led by Sue Hayes, the Society’s Chief Executive Officer, and chaired by colleagues from across the organisation, the network has been instrumental in shaping a more inclusive culture and building awareness both within the Society and across the communities it serves. 

Sue Hayes, Chief Executive Officer at Nottingham Building Society, said: “We’re proud to stand alongside the LGBTQIA+ community and to support Notts Pride once again as headline sponsor. 

“As a building society rooted in Nottingham, this is about being present in the communities we serve and supporting events that bring people together in such a positive and powerful way. 

“Inclusion isn’t something we talk about in isolation. It’s something we aim to reflect in how we show up every day for our colleagues, our members, and our communities. The continued growth of our Pride Network and the enthusiasm from colleagues across the Society has been fantastic to see, and events like Notts Pride are a real celebration of that. 

“More than anything, it’s a chance to demonstrate that everyone should feel able to be themselves, feel supported, and feel that they belong.” 

Since its launch in 1997, Notts Pride has remained a non‑profit event, relying on sponsors and volunteers to make it possible each year. 

Leigh Ellis, Chairperson at Notts Pride, said: “Notts Pride has always belonged to Nottingham. It’s part of this city’s history of pride, protest, and joy. After the incredible response to last year’s event, we’re coming back in 2026 bolder and brighter than ever, with even more ways for people to get involved. 
 
“We’re especially proud to be working with Nottingham Building Society for the third-year running. Their continued support means so much to us as a volunteer‑led charity. It’s not just about funding, it’s about shared values, genuine community commitment, and helping us create a Pride that is inclusive, accessible, and truly for Nottingham. Together, we’re ensuring Pride remains a celebration for everyone, while also supporting LGBTQ+ people all year round.” 

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