YOTEL London City will host one of the UK’s most popular gatherings for lesbian, bi, trans and queer women as Southbank Surfing returns for a special Pride pop-up event with special guests including comedian and author Rosie Willby and singer-songwriter MIRI. Tickets are now on sale for the event on Friday 1 July at £10, with £1 from each ticket donated to LGBTQ+ helpline charity Switchboard. As London prepares to celebrate Pride on 2 July, Southbank Surfing’s special Pride pop-up will be the perfect precursor to a weekend of celebrations.

Buy Southbank Surfing Pride pop-up tickets now via www.beoutandabout.com .

Southbank Surfing found a new home at YOTEL London City earlier this year, following a two year break due to the pandemic. On the third Friday of each month, over 150 women connect at the hotel’s bar and restaurant Komyuniti to socialise and mingle. Now, organisers of the event have planned a special Pride pop-up, taking place from 7pm on Friday 1 July, with guests set to enjoy a talk from comedian, podcaster and author of acclaimed book ‘The Breakup Monologues’, and a performance from singer-songwriter MIRI.

Guests at Southbank Surfing’s Pride pop-up can also support the UK’s national LGBTQ+ helpline Switchboard by enjoying YOTEL’s Pride cocktails and mocktails, priced at £6, with 100% of proceeds donated to the charity.

YOTEL’s celebratory Pride cocktails and mocktails have been available in YOTELs in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow throughout the month of June to celebrate 50 years of Pride, and guests have also been able to donate directly to Switchboard via digital Tip Jar QR codes located throughout the hotels.

Southbank Surfing’s Pride pop-up will see women from across London come together to celebrate 50 years of Pride, and support Switchboard, all whilst meeting new friends. Switchboard has provided support to millions of people since its inception, creating a safe space for anyone to discuss anything from sexuality, gender identity, sexual health to emotional well-being. The charity can provide information, support and referral services for lesbians, gay men and bisexual and trans people – and anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity. The helpline operates 10am-10pm daily, and can be reached by dialing 0300 330 0630 – find out more at www.switchboard.lgbt .

Renowned as the UK’s largest regular gathering for LGBTQIA women and their supportive allies, Southbank Surfing’s return as a permanent event at YOTEL London City has been an important step forward for providing an inclusive space for LGBTQIA women in the capital.

The event was reinvigorated for 2022 by Polly Shute, Co-Founder of Out and About Festival and former board member of Pride in London. Determined to create events catered for gay women, Polly and her team recently celebrated the first Out & Wild Festival, the UK’s first Wellness and Experience festival for LGBTQIA women and those who are non-binary.

Polly Shute said, “We’re delighted to partner with YOTEL to announce a special Pride pop-up for Southbank Surfing and have seen such an incredible response from LGBTQIA women in London at the past few events. We have welcomed over 300 women at Southbank Surfing events in May and June at YOTEL London City, and now can’t wait to host guests at our very special Pride celebration. It’s vitally important to provide friendly, inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA women to meet and socialise in central London and we’re thrilled that Southbank Surfing has been able to welcome back old friends, as well as lots of new ones at our new permanent home.

“We hope our Pride pop-up will raise much needed funds and awareness for Switchboard, with YOTEL generously donating 100% of proceeds from each Pride cocktail and mocktail sold to the charity. It’s going to be a great night and we hope to see you there!”

Southbank Surfing began over 10 years ago at the BFI in Southbank as a volunteer-run event. Open to all and occurring on the third Friday of every month, the event’s focus is to meet up with old friends and new. Southbank Surfing has kept its status as an independent event, with an organic, natural warmth to the events, showcased in the fact there are always hosts who can meet and welcome any women who attend solo.

Stay up to date with future Southbank Surfing events at www.facebook.com/groups/southbanksurfing.

The ideal base for exploring central London, YOTEL London City is the permanent home of Southbank Surfing on the third Friday of each month, welcoming over 150 women to its bar and restaurant Komyuniti.