OutStories Bristol in collaboration with the University of Bristol Institute of Greece, Rome, and the Classical Tradition (IGRCT) present the 13th John Addington Symonds Annual Lecture.
Bristol Pride 2026.
©Robert Howes
This year’s lecture will be given by Dr Robert Howes, historian, author and member of OutStories Bristol.
The presentation will show how Pride has developed from a political protest demonstration to a celebration of identity, drawing on examples from Britain and other countries. It will discuss some of the issues related to this development, including the commercialisation of what began as and still to some extent remains a radical, contestatory movement.
The talk will then trace the development of Pride in Bristol from the first Gay Bristol Festival in 1977 through to today’s large-scale event, which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year. The presentation will be illustrated with photographs drawn from the speaker’s own collection and elsewhere.
Saturday 3rd October 2026, 5pm-7pm
Peel Lecture Theatre, School of Geographical Sciences – South Building,
University Road, Bristol, BS8 1SS
Map
This event is free and open to everyone.
Following the talk, refreshments including wine, soft drinks and nibbles will be provided. This is an opportunity to chat with members of OutStories Bristol about our activities.
The talk is an annual celebration of the life of John Addington Symonds (1840-1893), Bristol-based writer, art historian and pioneer of homosexual rights.
It is held by OutStories Bristol in collaboration with the University of Bristol Institute of Greece, Rome, and the Classical Tradition (IGRCT). Our thanks to the IGRCT for hosting.
