Emergency services have revealed their plans to keep people safe this Pride weekend.

Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) will be utilising extra services this Brighton Pride weekend, including barriers and armed officers. 

Sussex Police will be deploying armed and plain-clothed officers, as well as investigations teams, to the celebrations on Saturday, August 3, and Sunday, August 4.

A national barrier asset, seen at major events such as the G7 and party conferences, will also be in use to “deter vehicle attacks against pedestrians”.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Like every year, months of planning goes on behind the scenes in the lead-up to Pride to ensure the safety of those attending and the wider community.

“Working alongside partners, we are deploying a sufficient number of officers to deliver an effective policing operation in the city to keep residents and visitors safe through the weekend.”

National barrier assets will be in use again to deter attacks National barrier assets will be in use again to deter attacks (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

READ MORE: Brighton and Hove Pride 2024: Everything you need to know

Security barriers will be installed at the north and south ends of Preston Road, St James’s Street east and west, and Marine Parade east and west.

Secamb will have crews on hand at the event and will also feature in the parade.

The ambulance service has appealed to the public to only call 999 in an emergency and utilise alternatives where possible, such as walk-in centres, pharmacists and 111.

Secamb will be at Brighton Pride again this year, both providing medical help and featuring in the paradeSecamb will be at Brighton Pride again this year, both providing medical help and featuring in the parade (Image: South East Coast Ambulance Service)

Secamb operating unit manager for Brighton Paul Fisher said: “Pride is always a fantastic event for the city and our teams, both out on the road and in our Emergency Operations Centres, will be working hard to get people the help they require.

READ MORE: Brighton Pride 2024 Parade route map: All you need to know

“We want people to enjoy the weekend and experience a happy and safe Pride but also remember the impact avoidable 999 calls can have on our services.

“People should only call 999 in an emergency and remember to make use of alternatives if it’s not, including visiting a walk-in centre, speaking to a pharmacist or using NHS 111.

“It’s also really important that people plan their days and look out for themselves and each other.”