An iconic piece of Stonewall history is coming to London Pride 2026 in major tribute

An iconic piece of Stonewall history is coming to London Pride 2026 in major tribute Brooklyn Brewery, the official beer partner of Pride in London, is bringing a tribute to the legendary Stonewall Inn to this year's parade — honouring the NYC bar at the heart of LGBTQ+ history and the uprising that changed the world What began as an unplanned, days-long uprising at a New York bar in June 1969 went on to become the single most significant turning point for the worldwide Pride movement. This summer, Brooklyn Brewery, Pride in London's official beer partner, is recreating that very bar, The Stonewall Inn, at Pride in London, paying tribute to the venue that kickstarted the gay liberation movement and transformed Pride history. "The Stonewall Inn isn't just a bar, it marks the tipping point for the Pride movement," says Stacy Lentz co-owner of the Stonewall Inn. "It represents the moment when a community pushed into the shadows decided to stand up, speak out and demand change. That energy is still what drives Pride today." What happened at The Stonewall Inn? Back in 1969, The Stonewall Inn was among the handful of venues in New York where LGBTQ+ people could meet openly and dance. Even so, it existed under perpetual threat. Police raids were commonplace, with customers and employees routinely arrested, partly because of legislation that banned LGBTQ+ individuals from being served alcohol in licensed premises. "In the early hours of June 28, everything changed," adds Kurt Kelly, co-owner of The Stonewall Inn. "What was meant to be another routine raid, became something else entirely. People resisted. They stayed. They fought back. And over the next several nights, that resistance grew into something far bigger than anyone could have ever imagined." The uprising poured out onto the streets of New York's Greenwich Village, pulling in supporters and local residents. In the days afterwards, a fresh surge of momentum emerged, propelling activism onto a worldwide platform. The Stonewall Inn at Pride in London - what to expect This Stonewall Inn spirit is heading to Pride in London on July 4, with a refurbished bus that has been reimagined as a homage to the original Greenwich Village establishment, bringing a slice of Pride heritage into the centre of the capital. "For us, The Stonewall Inn is about using our history as a vehicle for change," says Kelly. "It's not just about what happened in 1969 - it's about continuing the fight for full equality everywhere. So, working with Brooklyn Brewery to come to Pride in London on an actual 'vehicle' for change is perfect!" The Stonewall Inn Pride in London float will display some of the history and entertainment of the NYC original, while giving Pride revellers a flavour of what makes the Greenwich Village bar so meaningful to the global LGBTQ+ community. The float will act as a roving stage, showcasing DJs, performers, and a visual tribute to the 1969 Stonewall Inn uprising, offering the most picture-perfect moment of the entire parade. "The riots were the catalyst," added Lentz. "It lit a fire, sparking a new sense of unity and determination, which shifted far beyond New York. While the first New York Pride march took place on the riot's anniversary, within three years, London hosted its first Pride parade. So, bringing The Stonewall Inn to London - one of Europe's largest celebrations of LGBTQ+ life, culture and activism - feels like we're completing the circle. Where to buy Brooklyn Brewery The Stonewall Inn IPA For Pride 2026, Brooklyn Brewery has transformed The Stonewall Inn IPA cans and packaging in the UK into a canvas, unveiling a limited-edition design created in partnership with up-and-coming artist Rob Likes to Draw from the Queer Youth Art Collective. Showcasing hand-drawn illustrations with a brick-style motif, drawing inspiration from the original bar. The limited-edition packs can be found at Asda and Tesco throughout the UK and online at Amazon until Monday 31 August.