Brighton’s biggest weekend of the summer has arrived, with Pride taking over the city alongside live music, theatre, comedy, club nights and some very good reasons to book a table early.
Brighton & Hove Pride dominates the weekend, beginning with the Power of Love community parade at 11am on Saturday. The procession sets off from Hove Lawns before travelling along the seafront and through the city towards Preston Park. It remains the best free event of the weekend, although regulars know to choose a viewing spot early and avoid trying to cross the route once the parade is moving.
At Preston Park, RAYE headlines Pride on the Park on Saturday, supported by Jessie J, Self Esteem, Leigh-Anne, G Flip and Moonchild Sanelly. Sunday belongs to Diana Ross, with Five, Holly Johnson, a Mel C DJ set and Paris Hilton also appearing. Dance stages across the weekend include Purple Disco Machine, Armand Van Helden, The Blessed Madonna and Brighton favourite I. Jordan.
For something closer to the centre, the Pride Street Party runs across Saturday and Sunday around Kemptown and Marine Parade, with outdoor stages, drag, DJs and live performances. This is always the most intensely Brighton part of the weekend: loud, crowded, occasionally chaotic and considerably more fun when approached without a detailed schedule.
Theatre, comedy and late nights
Theatre Royal Brighton hosts Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners on Friday evening, offering a lively alternative for anyone seeking traditional Irish music rather than Pride pop.
At Komedia, Friday’s Chaps & Straps Pride Special brings queer line dancing to the North Laine, while Saturday’s Gal Pals Pride Special promises pop, R&B, hip-hop and disco for queer women, trans and non-binary guests.
The Secret Comedy Club also has its regular intimate stand-up shows on Friday and Saturday, with doors at 7pm and performances beginning at 8pm. It is a useful escape from the larger crowds, although advance booking is sensible this weekend.
Those continuing late can head to Concorde 2 for Saturday’s Official Pride After Party, featuring I. Jordan, Mae Muller, Dykes on Decks and an outdoor pop stage. Sunday closes with the Queer House Party Pride event from 9pm.
Where to eat
For food near the action, Lima Nikkei on Marine Parade offers Peruvian-Japanese sushi, ceviche and Pisco cocktails. Cecconi’s provides Northern Italian food and one of the city’s best sea-facing terraces, while Shelter Hall is the easiest option for mixed groups and has its own Pride programme of DJs, drag bingo and drinks packages.
The most important local advice is simple: walk where possible, book restaurants now and do not expect an ordinary journey through the centre. Brighton is about to become wonderfully impractical for 48 hours.
