The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Celebration Calendar is a space where we share information about equality days and observances that are important to our communities to increase awareness and share relevant information around equality.
27 January - Holocaust Memorial Day
Commemorates the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and other genocides, advocating for reflection on and intolerance to discrimination. The theme for 2026 is ‘Bridging Generations’.
View more information on Holocaust Memorial Day
February - LGBT+ History Month
A month-long annual celebration recognising the history, struggles and achievements of the LGBT+ community, promoting equality and inclusion. The theme for 2026 is ‘Science & Innovation’.
- Power To Be Out (POUT) - A lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth group. It provides a confidential support service for young people up to age 25 in the local area.
View more information on LGBT+ History Month
4 February - World Cancer Day
An international day to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. The theme for 2025 to 2027 is ‘United by Unique’.
View more information on World Cancer Day
20 February - World Day of Social Justice
An international day to recognise and promote the need for social justice across all themes of need.
View more information on World Day of Social Justice
8 March - International Women’s Day
A celebration of achievements of women and raising awareness about discrimination, rights, and gender equality. The theme for 2026 is ‘Give to Gain’.
View more information on International Women's Day
16 to 23 March - Neurodiversity Celebration Week
This week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported.
View more information on Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
19 or 20 March - Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims and means the 'festival of the breaking of the fast’ which marks the end of Ramadan.
21 March - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
The day aims to remind people of racial discrimination’s negative consequences. It also encourages people to remember their obligation and determination to combat racial discrimination.
View more information on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
2 April - World Autism Awareness Day
A day used to raise awareness and acceptance of autism. The theme for 2026 is 'Celebrate Difference'.
3 April - Good Friday
A day celebrated in Christianity to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
5 April - Easter Sunday
A day celebrated in Christianity to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
7 April - World Health Day
A global awareness day focusing on drawing attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. The theme for 2026 is ‘Global Action for Universal Health Coverage'
View more information on World Health Day
14 April - Vaisakhi/Baisakhi
A festival celebrating the founding of the Sikh community.
28 April - National British Sign Language Day
On 28 April 2022, the British Sign Language (BSL) Act was passed by the UK Parliament, recognising BSL as an indigenous language of Great Britain. National British Sign Language Day commemorates this milestone.
View more information on National British Sign Language Day.
4 to 10 May - Deaf Awareness Week
A week of awareness raising on the challenges faced by the deaf community and education on how to provide support.
- Deafway - A Preston based charity that supports deaf people and promotes equal access and opportunities for those who are deaf.
- Deaf Link Service - Service which supports British Sign Language users who are struggling to access information and support from the services.
View more information on Deaf Awareness Week
11 to 17 May - Mental Health Awareness Week
A week to promote mental health awareness and support. The theme for 2026 is 'Action’.
View more information on Mental Health Awareness Week
18 to 24 May - Dementia Action Week
Campaign to raise awareness and support for those living with dementia.
- South Ribble Council - Dementia
- Playlist for Life - A playlist of personally meaningful music that can help people living
View more information on Dementia Action Week
26 May - Eid al-Adha
Celebrated in Islam and known as Festival of Sacrifice, the festival remembers the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son when God ordered him to.
31 May - Wesak
A celebration to mark the Buddha's birthday and, for some Buddhists, also marks his enlightenment and death.
June - Pride
Celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and promotes equal rights.
- Power To Be Out (POUT) - A lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth group. It provides a confidential support service for young people up to age 25 in the local area.
9 to 15 June - Carers Week
Campaign to raise awareness of caring, the challenges unpaid carers face and the contribution they make to families and communities.
- Lancashire Carers Service - Provide information, advice and a wide range of specialist support services designed to help carers.
- South Ribble Council - Carer Services and Support
View more information on Carers Week
22 June - Windrush Day
Celebrating the contribution Caribbean migrants and their families have made to the UK.
29 June - Armed Forces Day
A day to show support for the people who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets.
View more information on Armed Forces Day
July - South Asian Heritage Month
A month to commemorate and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories, and communities.
View more information on South Asian Heritage Month
11 July - Srebrenica Memorial Day
2025 marks 30 years since the genocide at Srebrenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Srebrenica Memorial Day takes place during Srebrenica Memorial Month to pay tribute to the victims of the Genocide.
View more information on Srebrenica Memorial Day.
12 August - International Youth Day
Day to celebrate and recognise the contributions of young people and highlight issues affecting their lives and futures.
View more information on International Youth Day
14 to 20 September - Inclusion Week
A week dedicated to celebrating inclusion and taking action to create inclusive workplaces.
October - Black History Month
Celebrates the contributions of black people to UK society.
View more information on Black History Month
1 October - International Day of Older Persons
International awareness day dedicated to recognising the contributions of older people and raising awareness about the issues they face.
- Age Concern Central Lancashire – An independent charity offering a range of support services.
- Leyland (Lancashire FA) Sporting Memories Club - Supports a wide range of people aged 50 and over, including those living with dementia, living with depression or facing isolation and loneliness to improve their mental and physical wellbeing.
View more information on International Day of Older Persons
10 October - World Mental Health Day
A global initiative to raise awareness and support for mental health issues.
View more information on World Mental Health Day
8 November - Diwali
A 5-day Festival of Lights, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. Diwali is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
12 to 18 November - Transgender Awareness Week
A week to raise visibility and awareness of the issues that transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals face.
- Power To Be Out (POUT) - A lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth group. It provides a confidential support service for young people up to age 25 in the local area.
19 November - International Men’s Day
Raise awareness of issues affecting men and boys such as high suicide, workplace deaths, homelessness and low attainment.
- South Ribble Council - Mental Health Services
- Andy’s Man Club - A men’s suicide prevention charity that runs free to attend support groups, with a local group.
View more information on International Men's Day
25 November - White Ribbon Day
Campaign to educate people on the prevention of violence against women and advocating for gender equality.
- Sanctuary Scheme - Offers another option for those who would otherwise have to move house and leave everything behaving at a time when they need their support networks the most. For more information you should email housing@southribble.gov.uk.
- Domestic Abuse Helpline - Available for residents of South Ribble where they can speak to an advisor in confidence. Telephone: 01772 435865. Text: 07790 971237.
View more information on White Ribbon Day
4 to 12 December - Hanukkah
Often known as the Festival of Lights, it is an 8-day celebration which reminds Jewish people of a time over 2,000 years ago, when they won a battle to practise their religion freely.
10 December - Human Rights Day
A day dedicated to promoting and upholding human rights around the world, reflecting the progress made and challenges that remain.
View more information on Human Rights Day
25 December - Christmas Day
An annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.