ONE of the biggest events of the LGBTQ+ calendar is back on this weekend.

Brighton Bear Weekend is set to return to the city after a series of virtual events were held last year due to Covid-19 lockdowns.

The annual event in Kemp Town is for bears - a slang term for gay men who are often heavy-set and hairy.

The 2021 Brighton Bear Weekend (BBW) will be the 10th annual live event, supporting charity efforts such as the Brighton Rainbow Fund.

The week’s events begin on Thursday night with a quiz night at The Camelford Arms, followed by the official Brighton Bear Weekend Welcome Party (Stage 1) at Dorset Gardens.

The event will feature cabaret by Dave The Bear and a preview of the Mr Brighton Bear 2021 contestants.

Stage 2 of the party will be held at The Amsterdam Bar and Kitchen, and will feature the Mr Brighton Bear 2021 Final, which will be presented by Miss Brighton 2021.

The weekends action will see the BBW Garden Party on Saturday afternoon, followed by Bear-a-oke at Bar Broadway.

The events will finish with a Sunday roast from 12.30pm on Sunday, followed by the UnderBears event from 10pm until late.

The Argus: Brighton Bear Weekend Brighton Bear Weekend

Brighton Bear Weekend chair Graham Munday said the bears will be treated to “four days of furry fun in the sun”.

“The BBW committee has been working hard behind the scenes to deliver a programme of events that will appeal to a wide cross section of the bear community,” he said.

“To everyone wishing us well, to everyone who will be coming along to enjoy our events, to everyone playing a part in making Brighton Bear Weekend the success it is bound to be – a huge thank you from the BBW team and on behalf of those who will benefit as a result of funds raised”.

The Argus: Brighton Bear WeekendBrighton Bear Weekend

Other artists due to perform and take part include Candi Rell DQ, Chris Hide, Colin (Pianoman) and Miles, Dave Lynn, Davina Sparkle, and TIN.

More details can be found on the Brighton Bear Weekend website.