THE City Centre of Brighton was filled with brave spectators to witness even braver people in costumes and on floats, during the famous procession on Saturday morning, in terrible wind and rain conditions.
50 years after the first Brighton ‘Gay Pride March’ in the city, Brighton & Hove Pride defied the wind, rain and travel disruptions to return for another spectacular year and a weekend packed full of campaigning, protest and partying in equal measure.
This year’s theme was ‘Dare to be Different’ where over one hundred local charities, community groups, small businesses, essential blue light services and LGBTQ+ figureheads such as Dame Kelly Holmes and Suzy Eddie Izzard graced the streets of Brighton and Hove.
At Preston Park, a two-day community fundraising event, Fabulous, saw thousands of people attend on Saturday to see acts such as Bellah Mae, The Blackmordia, Mae Muller, Jax Jones, Confidence Man, Dylan and pop sensation Zara Larsson. The Black-Eyed Peas headlined the first night in a controversial set.
Legends Cabaret Big Top, Queer Town and The Cocoa Butter Club and were treated to performances from the likes of Honey Dijon, Monki, Patrick Wolf, Gok Wan, DJ Paulette, Lynks and more.
The sun came out in full force on Sunday, with a day of back-to-back 90s and 00s nostalgia with STEPS’ only UK performance this year, bringing their signature dance moves and throwback tunes galore with ‘Tragedy’, ‘5,6,7,8’, ‘Chain Reaction’, ‘Summer of Love’ and so much more. The day also brought energy with performances from Tom Aspaul, Harleymoon Kemp, a denim clad B*Witched, The Vivienne, Louise and the one and only global icon Melanie C.
In Kemp Town, the Pride Village Party saw local businesses in St. James’s Street and Marine Parade bring the party for an unforgettable weekend to raise extra funds for the Brighton Rainbow Fund and the Pride Social Impact Fund.
These images from editor Paul Gibson show most of the main stage action and some of the incredible visitors to the event.
