Diana Ross Brighton Pride – UK Festival Exclusive
The Motown legend will make her Brighton Pride debut in a UK festival exclusive, joining RAYE for what organizers call a ‘dream come true’ booking
Brighton Pride has pulled off a major coup by securing global superstar Diana Ross as the Sunday headliner for the festival’s milestone 35th anniversary celebration this summer.
The 81-year-old Motown legend will close out Pride on the Park on August 2nd at Preston Park, marking her first-ever appearance at Brighton’s iconic LGBTQ+ festival. Saturday’s proceedings will be headlined by chart-topping British artist RAYE, who returns to Brighton Pride for the third time after memorable performances in 2018 and 2022.
A UK Festival Exclusive – Diana Ross Brighton Pride
Ross’s appearance represents a significant booking victory for Brighton, with organizers securing the performance as a UK festival exclusive. The “Queen of Motown” is expected to deliver a career-spanning set featuring timeless classics including “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “I’m Coming Out,” “Endless Love,” and “Stop! In The Name of Love.”
Paul Kemp, Brighton & Hove Pride’s Managing Director, couldn’t contain his excitement about the announcement: “Welcoming the incomparable Diana Ross as our Sunday headliner as a UK live show exclusive is a dream come true. Her legendary voice and catalogue of hits will be an unforgettable moment in Brighton Pride history.” https://www.brighton-pride.org/brightonpride.org
Perfect Pride Anthem Connection
Ross’s inclusion feels particularly appropriate given her deep connection to LGBTQ+ culture. “I’m Coming Out,” one of her biggest solo hits, has long been considered an unofficial Pride anthem, making her Brighton debut all the more meaningful for the community.
The announcement comes as Brighton Pride celebrates 35 years of the annual festival, operating under this year’s theme of “The Power of Love.” The event traces its roots back to 1973 when Brighton’s first gay pride march was organized by the Sussex Gay Liberation Front, though the current Pride on the Park format launched in 1991.
Diana Ross Brighton Pride Tickets
Given the high-profile nature of both headliners, ticket demand is expected to be exceptional. Presale tickets will become available at 10 am on Thursday, February 12th, with general sale following at 10 am on Friday, February 13th.
RAYE, who has achieved over 10 billion streams globally and made history by winning six BRIT Awards in 2024, will showcase material from her upcoming album “This Music May Contain Hope” alongside hits like “Escapism” and her recent UK number one “Where Is My Husband!”
The dual announcement positions Brighton Pride 2026 as potentially the festival’s most star-studded edition yet, cementing Brighton’s status as a premier destination for world-class entertainment.
→ Full guide: Brighton Pride 2026 →
See also: →Things To Do in Brighton → Wellness Events Brighton 2026 → Food & Drink in Brighton 2026 →Brighton Wellness Events 2026 →Places to Visit Near Brighton → Events in Brighton 2026
