Sussex Police are once again taking part in Brighton and Hove’s Pride celebrations where this year 300,000 people are expected to take to the streets of Brighton and Hove this August weekend.
As with all previous years, the force’s number one priority is to ensure the safety of all those involved in the weekend’s festivities as well as members of the wider and local community to ensure that the event is both enjoyable and safe for all.
Chief Superintendent Neil Honnor of Sussex Police said:
“We have worked closely with the organisers of Pride and our partners in the city to ensure that everyone can enjoy the weekend safely.
“Months of preparation have taken place in the lead up to Pride and as in previous years, public safety is our main priority.
“Similarly to last year we will have a number of armed officers working across the city over the weekend. A large number of our own officers, local authority staff, security staff and event organisers have received specialist training to help them better identify and deal with potential risks.
“As always, we ask that the public demonstrates a certain level of personal responsibility including things like taking care of belongings, following personal safety advice and flagging any issues or suspicious behaviour to event staff or police.
“The weekend weather is due to be very hot and sunny so we would also like to remind people to stay hydrated and wear sun cream. You can find out where to refill your water bottles across the city by downloading this app.”
Sussex Police support the organisers of Brighton and Hove Pride and advocate a drug free event.
Chief Supt Honnor on this added: “We want everyone to be proud and support a drug free Pride. The possession, use or supply of illegal drugs, including cannabis, will be investigated and dealt with by officers.
“The devastating effect of drug use can have a much wider impact than just on the person taking them.
“Most illegal drugs are cut with other substances, substances which could have an adverse effect on your body and cause serious illnesses and in extreme circumstances, death.
“With Pride organisers, we want to promote an inclusive and enjoyable atmosphere for all. We look forward to seeing you there and wish you a fun Pride 2018.”
Saturday sees the city celebrate the main Brighton and Hove Pride events with the LGBTQ+ community parade starting at Hove Lawns at around 11am followed by the ticketed Brighton Pride Festival in Preston Park. Saturday evening will also see the Pride Village Party take place in Kemptown and anyone wishing to enter this area will be required to have purchased a wristband.
Sunday see’s the new for this ticketed Love BN1 Festival 2018 also at Preston Park, with the Pride Village Party running on Sunday as well.
The Police have worked throughout the year with Pride organisers, Brighton and Hove City Council and East Sussex Fire and Rescue to make sure a safe and successful Pride weekend is delivered for the thousands of locals and those visiting our city this weekend.
Head of Operations at Pride Becky Stevens stated: “This year’s Pride is set to be the biggest and the best in the UK.
“Extensive planning takes place year round between Brighton Pride and our partners at Sussex Police, Brighton and Hove City Council, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service.
“We would like to thank our colleagues at Sussex Police and all our statutory partners for their support to Pride in our city.
“We are pleased to welcome everyone to this inclusive and diverse event. Stay safe, look out for your friend and have an amazing Pride.”
You can come and speak to the forces LGBT officers and volunteers in Preston Park at the Sussex Police stand situated in the park. You can also say hello to The Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne who will also have a stand at Preston Park.
To keep an eye out for up to date information throughout the day as well as to follow the day unfolding, follow Sussex Police’s Twitter @sussex_police or @BtonHovePolice or the Sussex Police and Brighton and Hove Police Facebook page.
Videos and pictures of the parade and city celebrations will be shared on Snapchat and Instagram Stories by Sussex Police across the weekend. You can add Sussex Police on Snapchat by searching for ‘Sussex Pride’ in the app.
To follow Sussex Police on Instragram click here or search for ‘SussexPoliceForce’ in the app.
Further information about Brighton and Hove Pride 2018, including advice on travel and wristband information, can be found here.
