Pride revellers urged to plan journeys as strike threatens to shut major central London Tube station
Oxford Circus Tube station could close on Saturday “at short notice” due to strike action as tens of thousands make their way to Pride in London.
Transport for London (TfL) urged Pride revellers to check their journeys before setting off, with the capital’s transport network expected to be heaving on Saturday due to several events and planned closures.
Oxford Circus may close on Friday June 28 and Saturday June 29 due to industrial action, TfL warned, but it did not give further details of what action this is.People taking part in the Pride parade can arrive at Bond Street, Hyde Park Corner or Marble Arch stations instead.
“Central London will be busier than usual this weekend,” TfL said.
“Services and stations in central London will be particularly busy and people may need to queue before being able to board a train. Customers are advised to plan ahead, check before travelling and allow more time for journeys.
Pride in London parade in 2023 (PA)
“Some bus routes in central London will also be on diversion or stopping short of their usual destination due to road closures.
“The Blackwall Tunnel will also be closed for southbound traffic over the weekend until 5am on Monday morning.”
People who wish to watch the Pride in London parade or attend events at Trafalgar Square or in Soho are advised to arrive at Bond Street, Charing Cross, Embankment, Tottenham Court Road, Victoria or Westminster stations.
Some stations may be exit-only, and this will be implemented as needed, TfL said.
Emma Strain, TfL's Director of Customer, said: “It's going to be a busy one this weekend and it will be really exciting to see everyone come together for the parade.
“We encourage people travelling around London, whether for Pride celebrations or to other destinations, to check before they travel.”
Isabel Cato, Ashleigh Tory, Charley Cook and Matilda Beavers in 2023 (PA)
RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Ginger Johnson and trans Married at First Sight contestant Ella Morgan are among the stars who will perform at this year’s Pride.
Organisers have pledged the biggest and most diverse Pride in the capital yet.
Alongside the annual parade, stars will also perform on six central London stages, including at Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square.
Dazzling audiences from Trafalgar Square’s main stage will be Ginger Johnson as well as the cast of the West End’s Moulin Rouge.
The festivities will kick off at 12pm and continue throughout the day with performances scheduled at various times. Entry will be free but is operated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Around 35,000 people are expected to march in the parade, which will take participants from Green Park down Piccadilly to Whitehall.
Variations of Pride in London have been held in the capital since the early 1970s.
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