The 18th edition (since 2008) of Antwerp Pride takes place from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 August 2025. This year’s theme is “Do not just march! Listen. Understand. Commit”. Prides are a mix of celebration – parties – and activism and advocacy. For the 2025 edition, the organising committee focuses on belonging. Belonging to the society at large – the ‘outside world’ – but also belonging within the rainbow realm. 

‘Slay‘ by Ostend-born Red Sebastian (26) has been designated official anthem for Antwerp Pride 2025. Red Sebastian, né Seppe Guido Yvonne Herreman, represented Belgium at Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel in Switzerland. Unfortunately, his ‘Strobe Lights’ didn’t convince the televoting public and he didn’t reach the grand final.

Red Sebastian is the voice of Antwerp Pride this year with the official anthem ‘Slay’ – “an infectious and empowering pop song that invites pride, individuality and solidarity”. 

“‘Slay’ is more than just a catchy song – it’s an anthem that stands for courage, authenticity and self-confidence”, says Red Sebastian. 

“The lyrics encourage everyone to proudly show their true selves. It’s a musical wink that says: you don’t have to hide yourself – you can be there, exactly as you are.” 

Red Sebastian was already one of the trendsetters of Antwerp Pride last year. He turned the Rivierenhof in Deurne upside down during the Opening Party and gave a much-appreciated performance on the organisation’s truck during the Antwerp Pride Parade. 

Antwerp Pride Closing Festival

This year, he will be on stage at the Antwerp Pride Closing Festival on Sunday 10 August, where he will of course perform ‘Slay’ live. 

The organisers of Antwerp Pride are already very enthusiastic about the collaboration: “Antwerp Pride is very happy to announce a new anthem, which will be the anthem of Antwerp Pride 2025.

The fact that we can once again collaborate with Red Sebastian for this only makes it even better. ‘Slay’ perfectly summarizes what Antwerp Pride stands for: acceptance, connection and a safe place where everyone can be themselves. 

‘Slay’ is therefore the perfect successor to the previous anthems by Natalia (‘Shalala Dingdong‘) and Jessy (‘Love is Love‘). Last year, Red Sebastian already coloured the OpenLuchtTheater (OLT) ardent red with passion during the Opening Night. 

“We are certain that he will set the Scheldt Quays ablaze on Sunday 10 August”, the organising committee says. 

“Antwerp Pride is a moment of coming home for me. A place where love and freedom come together, and where we really see each other. That I can now also contribute to that musically, feels special and sincere”, says Red Sebastian.

Antwerp Pride 2025 & Antwerp Queer Arts Festival 2025

• ANTWERP QUEER ARTS FESTIVAL 2025 | ‘QueerPassion’, inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach.
• ANTWERP PRIDE 2025 THEME | Do Not Just March.
• Antwerp Pride 2025’s theme: “Do not just march! Listen. Understand. Commit.”.
• Antwerp Queer Arts Festival broadens horizon to Bruges and Leuven.
• Antwerp Pride 2025 from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 August.

Darklands 2025-2026

• Darklands organiser calls out unnecessary rules other events aren’t subjected to.
• GAY ANTWERP | Darklands 2026 becomes Beyond Darklands.
• GAY ANTWERP | Darklands 2026 changes name and concept, but keeps Waagnatie as venue.
• Darklands 2025 aims at actively welcoming FLINTA people.
• DARKLANDS 2025 | Programme & schedule highlights.
• Darklands 2025 drops token payment system in favour of top-up Darkband.
• ANTWERP | Darklands to leave Waagnatie after 2025.
• Darklands 2025 from Tuesday 25 February until Monday 3 March.
• Darklands 2025 theme: ‘Darklands Glows’, stays at Waagnatie until 2030.

The latest on LGBTQIA+ events such as prides in Belgium

• Mons Pride 2025 on Saturday 31 May.
• BRUSSELS | Pride Museum takes over MIMA from 15 June to 15 July with ‘What About Queer?’.
• NAMUR PRIDE 2025 | Pride Day, Solidarity March and community celebration.
• BRUSSELS PRIDE 2025 | Forbidden Colours calls out EU pinkwashing as Commission participates in pride but abandons LGBTQIA+ in Hungary.
• Pride Express links Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp to Pride Amsterdam on Saturday 2 August 2025.
• Leuven Pride 2025 on Saturday 27 September.
• ANTWERP PRIDE 2025 THEME | Do Not Just March.
• Darklands organiser calls out unnecessary rules other events aren’t subjected to.
• Queer March Ghent 2025 from 1 to 31 March.
• Limburg Pride composes anthem for first edition.
• Belgium to host Eurovision Song Contest 2026? But in which city?.
• PinX LGBTQIA+ Film Festival in Ghent and in Antwerp from 29 January to 2 February 2025.
• ANTWERP 2025-2030 | City government agreement supports bid for EuroGames in Antwerp in 2028.
• Liège Pride 2025 on Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August.
• CHARLEROI PRIDE | Three days of inclusivity and festivities.