TOPLESS protesters have vowed they will return to Brighton to march again.

The Free The Nipple event saw hundreds join in the walk through the city centre and on to the seafront and organisers have said it went so well they will return.

Bee Nicholls said: “We are delighted with the success of this year’s march. We’re so grateful to everyone who came along and supported us online.

“The movement is getting stronger every year. More and more people are comfortable calling themselves feminist and are keen to take part in activism. The energy and creativity of this community is moving, and it’s changing things. We look forward to next year’s march.

“Female nipples are seldom seen in public, banned from social media and sexualised to the point of censorship.

“Not only that, but breastfeeding is viewed by many as unsightly and mothers would often prefer to be locked in a public toilet to feed than risk harassment.

“Trans bodies – with or without top surgery – are very rarely seen for fear of ridicule or worse. Yet sexualised images of women’s bodies are everywhere – on TV, online, in films, in magazines, in advertising – used to sell everything from burgers to cars.

“This double standard has a huge impact. These kinds of cultural norms have deeply sexist undertones and they are a symptom a very real and serious problem.”

The march last Saturday was held to highlight “sexist double standards that exist in our everyday lives and challenge perceptions of bodies, breasts, nipples and gender”.

The Free The Nipple team organised a detailed stewarding plan to ensure the safety and comfort of participants, with a code of conduct for participants and onlookers.

Two Sussex Police officers had a presence on the day to provide support. Participants met at Old Steine Gardens and spent an hour getting ready, making signs and getting decorated. At 3pm Bee said a few words before leading the group in some call and response protest chants.

Those with disabilities and difficulty walking were invited to the front so as to set the pace of the march. The route was wheelchair accessible from start to finish.

The procession made its way along Brighton seafront, chanting in unison:

“My body – my choice – my life – my voice.”

“Smash the patriarchy.”

“Free the nipple.”

“Re-claim – de-shame – validate – empower.”

“What do we want? Equality! When do we want it? Now!”

Football fans, families and members of the public cheered and applauded in their hundreds as the march passed by.

The march ended at the Pop Up Brighton gallery space, where DJ Rebel Girl played music, Calcutta Kiss served vegan and vegetarian food and participants were able to enjoy the Free the Nipple artwork adorning the gallery.

Dancing, networking, hugging, selfies and a swim in the sea followed. An after party, hosted by Traumfrau, kicked off in the evening. Feminist DJs and performers provided entertainment, with a guerrilla life drawing session featuring three nude life models.

Participants said of the day:

“What an absolute pleasure… Marching for gender equality. Men, gender non-binary and women marching covered in glitter and bare-chested to make a stand.”

“Thank you for letting me get a glimpse of what utopia could feel like.”

“Such a colourful scene, such unrestrained joy – it brings tears to my eyes.”

“Today was amazing! So thankful to have been a part of it all as a male support!”

“Spending time with this group of humans has empowered every single cell of my body – I feel so strong.”

One protester said: “Thank you Free the Nipple Brighton for creating such a safe space. I can’t remember the last time I felt this liberated. It was beautiful.”