Pride bus to join the parade in Leeds

A First Bus double-decker emblazoned with the Pride colours and a message of community support will again loom large in the Leeds Pride parade next month.

First Bus and Pride organisers revealed the new-look bus outside Leeds Town Hall, where the parade is set to roll out on Sunday 20 July. 

The bus design has been kept under wraps and entered service on the Leeds network today (Thursday 19 June). 

First Bus has been a supporter of the city’s Pride celebrations for many years and the importance of the richness that comes from diversity and inclusivity across society is one that resonates strongly with the operator’s values.

Alfie Bailey, Director of Leeds Pride, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome First Bus back as a proud supporter of Leeds Pride 2025. Their continued partnership plays a huge role in helping us deliver this incredible celebration to the people of Leeds and far beyond.

“The launch of the new Pride bus is more than just a visual statement, it’s a meaningful message of support for the LGBTQ+ community. It reflects our shared commitment to visibility and pride in Leeds and we can’t wait to see it roll through the heart of the city as part of this year’s Pride parade.”

John Roxburgh, Head of Operations for First Bus in West Yorkshire, said: “Our business is on a journey to a place where everyone is welcome, can be their true selves and can succeed.

“We have Inclusion Networks made up of colleagues with lived experience and or allies of the particular community, covering every role and every level. This is helping us to build a team that represents the diversity and difference in the communities we serve.”

As part of its continued commitment in helping create easier access to the Pride celebrations, First Bus has created a special ticket for unlimited travel on the day.

John Roxburgh added: “We hope this will enable, in particular, lower income households and disadvantaged groups to embrace and enjoy the special atmosphere in Leeds city centre and relieve some of the pressure that everyone faces with the cost of living crisis.”

Picture captions:

Leeds Pride bus 1,2: (front) Alfie Bailey and Pride team member Callum Maxam-Leadbeatter with (rear) Pete Robertson, depot Staff Manager, Heather Rothwell of Pride, Lucy Mottram, Marketing Manager at First Bus and Craig Mullins, Operations Supervisor at Bramley reveal the branded bus outside Leeds Town Hall.

Leeds Pride bus_3: (L-R) Pete Robertson, depot Staff Manager, Alfie Bailey, Heather Rothwell of Pride, Lucy Mottram, Marketing Manager at First Bus, Callum Maxam-Leadbeatter of Pride and Craig Mullins, Operations Supervisor at Bramley reveal the branded bus outside Leeds Town Hall.

Leeds Pride Bus_4: Lucy Mottram, Marketing Manager at First Bus (right) with Heather Rothwell from the Leeds Pride team.

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