Pride carnival goes for gold

Organisers hope to top last year's extravaganza in Brighton and Hove, which pulled in a record 60,000 people.

The procession through the city on August 10 will follow the theme Gold 'n' Glitz, as a celebration of the jubilee.

The procession will start in Madeira Drive at 11am and is expected to include characters, such as Goldfinger and The Golden Girls.

Participants will make their way through the Old Steine, past Victoria Gardens, along London Road and into Preston Park, where there will be a day of fun and entertainment.

Although the main stage acts have not yet been confirmed, the cabaret big top will feature a variety of drag stars and singing divas, with Lola Lasagne as compere.

She will welcome Courtney King, Jamie Watson, Misshap, Dave Lynn and Maisie Trollette, as well as many other flamboyant entertainers.

There will also be the Brighton Women's Centre Tea Tent, with compere Julie McNamara welcoming the band Pico, singer-songwriter Lianne Hall and Brighton-based duo Eclipse.

Other attractions will include the Candy Bar dance tent, Popstarz offering indie music, Brit pop and alternative dance, trash and Eighties music, a Wild Fruit Tent and the Steppin' Out Dance Marquee.

There will also be a Royal Circle VIP enclosure for those who want to be treated like princes and princesses as well as a funfair and the usual bars and stalls in the park. .

The event is one of the biggest free gay events in Britain and attracts gay, lesbian and transgendered people from all over the world.

In the past two years, the event has raised more than £30,000 for community groups.

Andy Dunton, chairman of the Pride in Brighton and Hove committee, said: "Fortunately for us, we have a Pride event that the whole country wants to come down for.

"A combination of energy, creativity and strong community spirit makes our city such a great host for this fantastic event.

"Thank you to everyone for working so hard to make it all happen."