The weekend of 25–26 July 2026 brought a vivid tapestry of events captured by photographers worldwide, as selected by The Guardian's picture editors. From the colourful streets of Pride marches to the surreal sight of pop star Katy Perry performing inside an oversized bottle, the images offer a snapshot of contemporary culture and celebration.
In the UK, Pride parades in cities including London, Manchester, and Brighton saw participants dressed in rainbow colours, waving flags and banners. The events, which have become a staple of the summer calendar, drew large crowds and featured speeches from local politicians and community leaders. The photographs highlight both the festive atmosphere and the ongoing calls for LGBTQ+ rights and equality.
Internationally, Katy Perry's latest tour stop made headlines as she performed inside a giant, transparent bottle on stage. The elaborate set design, described by fans as both whimsical and bizarre, underscores the pop star's penchant for theatricality. The image has circulated widely on social media, sparking both admiration and debate over the environmental impact of such large-scale props.
Other notable images from the weekend include protests in several European capitals over climate policy, and scenes of summer leisure at UK beaches and parks, as temperatures remained mild. The selection by The Guardian's editors aims to capture the breadth of human experience—from political activism to pure entertainment.
For UK readers, these images serve as a reminder of the country's vibrant public culture and its place in a global visual conversation. The Pride events, in particular, underscore the ongoing importance of visibility and celebration for the LGBTQ+ community, while the Perry performance highlights the crossover between music and visual art in modern entertainment.