Reflecting on Purcell's involvement in Bristol Pride this year, we are incredibly proud of what we achieved together.
After months of planning, it was rewarding to see so many colleagues come together to support one another and enjoy the events.
In partnership with Ridge and Partners LLP, Purcell was proud to sponsor the Bristol-based Pride in Construction event, bringing together professionals from across the built environment alongside local authorities and charities to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community. Combining drag bingo, cabaret, and networking, the evening was thoroughly enjoyable throughout. The event raised funds for Off The Record (OTR) Freedom, a charity providing safe spaces and support for LGBTQIA+ young people, while also creating an opportunity to connect with others across the industry.
It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout from both our Bristol and Oxford studios. For many of our younger colleagues, the evening was a chance to build confidence through networking, while for Purcell it was an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to creating a more inclusive industry.
The Pride in Construction event
That same spirit carried through to the Bristol Pride Parade. Nearly half of the Bristol office spent part of their weekend marching together, joined by colleagues, friends and allies. A particularly poignant moment was hearing the parade leader announce over the megaphone, “Purcell are here!”, before the crowd broke into cheers. It was a reminder that simply showing up matters and that our support was recognised by the wider community.
Purcell at the 2026 Bristol Pride Parade
Pride has always been more than a celebration.
It remains a protest, a call for greater inclusion and equal rights, and an opportunity to demonstrate allyship in visible and meaningful ways. Those principles align closely with Purcell’s Justice, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion commitments, and with the culture we continue to build across the practice. Seeing colleagues from across our studios stand together, whether as members of the LGBTQIA+ community or as allies, was a reminder that those values are strongest when they are put into action.
The response to both events exceeded our expectations and has given us plenty to build on. We hope this is only the beginning, with even more colleagues joining us in the coming years to make Pride an even bigger part of the Purcell calendar.
