| Major changes are underway for Brighton & Hove Pride following input from local people to help shape the city’s biggest and most colourful annual event.
Improvements have been made to all aspects of the official Brighton & Hove Pride weekend activity, taking place on the first weekend of August. The most significant change this year is that St James Street and surrounding roads will remain open to pedestrians and vehicles throughout the Pride weekend. An enhanced Street Party will take place on Marine Parade, which will be closed to vehicles, where LGBTQ bars can operate outside bars and entertainment stages. LGBTQ venues are currently being invited to participate in the Marine Parade event but may prefer to operate their venues as normal over Pride weekend. The changes follow a public consultation organised by the council with support from Pride, which included an online survey and a series of in-person discussion groups. We will continue to consult with and listen to businesses in the area in the coming months as plans develop. Councillor Birgit Miller, Cabinet Member, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, explained: “Pride is an integral part of Brighton and Hove’s identity. While most residents celebrate and recognise the benefits Pride brings to the city, there were mixed views around access, safety and locals feeling excluded. “As a result, we have adapted this year’s event, putting residents’ needs at the forefront and supporting our local businesses. “Some of the changes are major, and over the coming weeks we will be working closely with Brighton & Hove Pride CiC to communicate with residents and businesses. We will also be monitoring the feedback to help make future decisions on the shape and scale of the event.” Details of the updated plans for this summer and beyond are below – see you there with Pride!
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LGBTQ+ Community Parade – Saturday, 2nd August The much-loved LGBTQ+ community parade returns with the powerful theme ‘Ravishing Rage’ – a parade of protest, celebration, passion, and unity. ‘Ravishing Rage’ is more than just a parade. It is a celebration of resilience, spirit, passion, and solidarity. This year, we march with unstoppable energy and fearless spirit, transforming adversity into triumph. Fury has never felt so fierce! We encourage everyone to be louder than ever and brighter than before. We dance in protest; we march in celebration. The parade remains free for spectators. Pride Street Party Returns – Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August Pride’s popular Street Party will take place on Marine Parade will feature all the traditional attractions, including drag stages, a variety of music zones, and bars. We’re working closely with local LGBTQ+ venues to create a safer space for the community to celebrate Pride with our friends and allies in a new location close to the seafront. The move is in recognition that Marine Parade has better access for residents while ensuring businesses in Kemptown can continue trading as normal on St James Street. New for 2025: Plans for a Community Village will provide more inclusive options. These changes aim to create a safer and more inclusive event for our LGBTQ+ community and allies. ‘Pride in the Park’ – Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August In direct response to feedback from our neighbours around Preston Park, Pride has scaled back original plans to run over two weekends. The main events will continue to be held in Preston Park on one weekend only as always. This year’s Pride in the Park events are headlined by Mariah Carey and the Sugababes. The site will have a fresh new layout featuring dance stages, cabaret stages, live stages, community area, family area and a funfair. Check out all the action on the Brighton & Hove Pride website. |
