Ritzy Cinema Pride Takeover: A Day of Queer Celebration

Brixton's much-loved Ritzy Cinema is throwing open its doors for an all-day Pride Takeover on Sunday 28th June 2026, promising a vibrant celebration of queer culture and community spirit right in the heart of South London. This special event, organised by Drag It Out, offers a diverse programme from free family-friendly fun to an 18+ film festival and a live cabaret, ensuring there is something for every local resident to enjoy. It is a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate International LGBT Pride Day.

What you need to know

Venue: Ritzy Cinema

Location: Brixton Oval, Brixton

Dates / Run: Sunday 28th June 2026

Key Cast/Creatives: Drag It Out collective (including B!tchtrice), Rasheed Bailey (Q&A host), Snaparazzi (photobooth)

The production

The day kicks off with free, family-friendly activities designed to engage younger attendees and their families. From 2pm, children of all ages can enjoy drag storytime and get creative with face painting and glitter stations. A crafts club will also run from 2pm to 5pm, offering materials for everyone to make their own badges and flags. A free Pride photobooth, courtesy of Snaparazzi, will be available throughout the day to capture all the colourful moments.

For those aged 18 and over, the afternoon features "Love Isn't Straight Forward", a collection of six LGBTQ+ short films exploring themes of queer desire, identity, and belonging. This screening begins at 3pm and will be followed by a Q&A session with the creative teams, hosted by Rasheed Bailey, a respected programmer for various film festivals and former chair of the Iris Prize jury. The evening culminates at 6pm with "Our House Cabaret", a variety show of drag, burlesque, and more, hosted by Ritzy favourite B!tchtrice from the Drag It Out collective.

Why it matters locally

The Ritzy Cinema, a Grade II listed building, has been a cornerstone of Brixton since it opened as the Electric Pavilion in 1911, evolving into a vital cultural and social hub for the community. Its history includes being a focal point for public expression and community engagement. This Pride Takeover continues that tradition, offering an inclusive space for celebration and reflection. It provides a platform for local and international queer artists and filmmakers, fostering a sense of belonging and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community in South London.

Planning your visit

Tickets for the "Love Isn't Straight Forward" film festival are priced at £6 and can be booked via Picturehouse. The "Our House Cabaret" tickets are £10 for concessions and £12 standard, available through Outsavvy via Drag It Out. All other events, including drag storytime, crafts, and the photobooth, are free and do not require advance booking.

Pro-Tip: The Ritzy Cinema's foyer cafe is home to En Root, a highly-rated vegan, Indian-inspired restaurant. They offer a lunchtime special for £6 from noon until 3pm, perfect for a pre-event meal. Alternatively, Brixton Village Market, just a short walk away, boasts a diverse array of independent eateries, from Jamaican to Japanese, offering plenty of options for every taste and budget.

Source Verification

This report is based on official production data and schedule information.

Source Link: https://www.picturehouses.com/blog/ritzy-pride-takeover-2026-drag-it-out

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