Brighton Pride will be a 'boost' for city economy

Gavin Stewart, 47, who runs the business improvement district known as Brilliant Brighton, said many businesses in the city that rely on visitor spend to make money.

Last year, coronavirus restrictions meant the event to mark its landmark 30th anniversary was called off.

However, following the news of the UK Government’s roadmap for the lifting of social distancing rules on June 21, organisers have announced this year’s event will go ahead as planned.

The celebrations will take place on August 6-8.

Mr Stewart said: "Brighton Pride brings in a significant boost to the local economy, with some estimates upwards of £30m.

"As the city comes out of lockdown, many businesses that rely on visitor spend will be buoyed to hear that the one of the country’s best loved LGBTQ+ festivals is back on the cards for 2021.”

Pride was due to take place on August 1 and 2 last year with stars Mariah Carey and The Pussycat Dolls headlining the two days of music at Preston Park.

Organisers made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 event due to the "catastrophic health and economic impacts" the pandemic was having on the community.

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Last year, Pride bosses said they hoped Mariah Carey and The Pussycat Dolls, who were due to headline the 2020 event, would grace the stage at Preston Park this year.

In 2018, tickets for the event sold on secondary website Viagogo for £223 - ten times their original price.

However, organisers warned tickets bought from other secondary ticket websites such as eBay, StubHub, and Gumtree would be turned away.

Despite the warning, sellers posted tickets on eBay for up to £330.

Wristbands described as “not requiring ID” were also listed for up to £120 on the website.