Brighton Pride 2025 Attracts Thousands to Annual Parade

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend Brighton this weekend for the city's annual pride celebrations. The event will feature a parade starting at Hove Lawns and concluding in Preston Park, where Mariah Carey will headline the first night and the Sugababes will close the show on Sunday.

Paul Kemp, managing director of Brighton Pride, expressed excitement about the event, stating that it showcases the city and its reputation as an events hub. The community parade, themed "ravishing rage," will include local community groups and LGBTQ+ organizations marching through the city.

John McPherson, chairman of the Brighton Gay Men's Chorus, highlighted the importance of this year's Pride event, especially for trans members. Various community groups from Brighton and Hove have prepared floats for the parade, spreading joy and inclusivity.

Other events during the weekend include the Pride Street Party, which has been relocated from St James' Street to Marine Parade. Participants in the parade, such as the Brighton School of Samba and Terrence Higgins Trust, added to the vibrant atmosphere.

Paul Callander, LGBT network lead for Brighton and Hove Albion football club, emphasized the unity and joy that Pride brings to the community. The parade was led by Ted Brown, a pioneering LGBT activist who helped organize the UK's first pride march in 1972.

The street party's ticket sales will support LGBTQ+ charities through the Pride Community Foundation. To accommodate the large crowds, certain areas of the city will be closed, and additional train services will be provided to meet the increased demand.