The biggest event of Tasmania’s LGBTQIA+ festival keeps getting bigger, as TasPride shares that a record number of people turned out to march and support this year’s Pride Parade.
Roughly 1,500 people turned up to march through the streets of Hobart on Saturday, in a show of pride and community for TasPride’s annual Pride Parade.
“We think it could be the biggest ever.” TasPride committee member Phoebe Adams told QNews.
“And it just keeps getting bigger every year, which is lovely, but what’s also lovely is the mix of allies and LGBTQA+ people taking part.”
“Every year we learn how we can make the day better, and with a small team like the TasPride Committee, it’s great that we continue to grow.
Photo by Rod Spark PhotographyFrom 50 people to 1,5000
The Pride Parade is part of a month-long celebration of community, culture and diversity entirely coordinated and run by volunteers.
Travelling from around the state, the community met at the corner of Murray Street and Patrick Street.
The pride buses by KINETIC top and tailed the March through the streets in a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusion.
Last year, Rodney Croome praised the committee for continuing to make the march grow.
“I want to take my hat off to the Tas Pride organising committee.” Rodney Croome told QNews following the 2025 march.
“There aren’t many of them, and they don’t have many resources, but they do a fantastic job.”
“This is a big contrast to the first pride parade we had in 1994 with 50 of us.”
Pheobe joked that her family hadn’t seen her for a week during the festival, which we hope is a slight exaggeration.
“This year has been so busy, but it’s so worth it seeing everybody having such a great time and feeling so much love,” she said.
“After the march, people were sharing that they noticed more people on the side of the road cheering them on as well, which is really nice.”
Photo by Rod Spark PhotographyA celebration of queer art for all ages
The Pride March concluded as the crowd hit Franklin Square for a free, family-friendly celebration filled with entertainment.
“Party in the Park has evolved into our own mini Fair Day,” Phoebe said, “The March ends up in the park with a beautiful fountain in the middle of it.”
“We are surrounded by food trucks and community groups, and we had a stage filled with performances. And it wasn’t just drag, we had a twerking workshop and more.”
Miz Ima Starr, who performed at Party in the Park, said it proved that queer art is for all ages.
“It was truly a lovely, wonderful day,” she said, “When they arrived, they really arrived and stayed for the whole event.”
“The hundreds of kids that were transfixed, enjoying the queer art and drag disproves what some might say about it as entertainment.”
“They were dressed up and dancing around and loving every minute of it. It was lovely to see how many people were in the mood to celebrate and have a good time.
“Once the entertainment was over, you could see that there was a sense of disappointment that it was all done, but that didn’t stop everyone from continuing to have a good time. Honestly, it was really beautiful.”
Photo by Rod Spark PhotographyTasPride isn’t over yet
“It’s very affirming for people to see people come out and support the event, especially when we look around and see so many families,” Phoebe said.
“It’s important to see that you are a part of a big crowd of people, or families just like yours. Seeing grandparents with families and coworkers supporting friends and coming together to March and support was lovely.”
There are still two more weeks left of TasPride, which concludes on Saturday, February 28.
Some of the highlight events this week include The Great Kingborough Bake Off, a Rainbow Families Catch Up and two running events.
(Probably to work off all the cake you will eat at the Bake Off.)
Srap in as comedian Zoë Coombs Marr brings The Splash Zone, a night of jokes, stories and goofiness from your favourite chaos imp.
Pride Film Festival heads to Launceston and Eaglehawk Nest, and you won’t want to miss the Pride Party in Launceston.
Photo by Rod Spark PhotographyFor the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, and community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
