Thousands descend on Brighton for first Pride in two years

Streets were packed with crowds, colour and noise for the belated 30th anniversary of Brighton Pride which was delayed due to the pandemic.

The city had a buzz as people sauntered down Queen’s Road from the station before 10am, while merchandise sellers bellowed selling their flags and whistles.

One of the main fixtures of Pride, the massive parade, started at Hove Lawns in the Kingsway with many familiar faces including leader of the council Phelim Mac Cafferty, Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle, Hove MP Peter Kyle, Sussex Police chief constable Jo Shiner and many more.

People by the Royal Pavilion waiting for the parade. Picture by Simon Dack

The parade, which was miles long, started at 11am with hundreds of different groups marching, in large floats, rollerblading and dancing along Kings Road.

It turned left up West Street, past the Jubilee Clock Tower, before heading down North Street and past the Royal Pavilion.

Thousands followed it on its slow procession to Preston Park where We Are Fabuloso festival was being held.

Near the Pavilion, people could be seen on top of bus stops, while others lined the streets and even rooftops to get the best view in the house.

Coming up West Street

Emergency service workers could be seen dotted around the city, all painted in Pride colours. Some people held signs saying “no cops at Pride”.

“Brighton Pride is not like anything else - the whole city is taken over by it”, said Brad, who was in Preston Park enjoying the festival.

Emmett and Peter had been soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the festival.

Emmett and Pete

Asked who they were most looking forward to, there was no hesitation.

“Christina, obviously”, Emmett said.

The festival started with drag queen Tia Kofi, before Call Me Loop came on, then L Devine, Bimini from 4.45pm, Raye, Todrick Hall, Ella Henderson at 7.45pm and the long-awaited Christina Aguilera at 9.15pm to an ecstatic crowd.

People enjoying Christina Aguilera

Meanwhile, there were also several other genres for people to enjoy, including the Gaydio Dance Tent which featured lasers, bass and plenty of dancing.

Today, the line up consists of Lyra, Cat Burns, Bjorn Again, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Jake Shears and Paloma Faith.

There was also a street party up Saint James’ Street in Kemp Town.