Brighton Pride 2023: Drizzly Weather Couldn't Stop Joyous Celebration

Torrents of stormy weather and untimely train cancellations couldn’t stop the LGBTQ+ community from celebrating Brighton Pride to its fullest.

By Dylan Mann-Hazell

Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August saw the 50th anniversary of Brighton Pride, and marchers were not deterred by the rainy and windy conditions throughout the weekend. From early Saturday morning, determined cheers and chants calling for equality could be heard along the city seafront. With thousands of people marching with the classic large rainbow flag brought out every year, many LGBTQ+ people and allies protested together in solidarity on the anniversary of Brighton’s first Pride.

Starting with a week of activities spread throughout the week, including multiple LGBTQ+ themed club nights, live gigs and social events, the citizens of Brighton really got into the spirit of the celebrations. Tuesday saw an inspiring event dedicated to helping the LGBTQ+ community reach out to each other, in the form of a speed social. Local Brighton DJ collective Dykes on Decks teamed up with the duo from the Gay Panic Podcast at the North Laine Brewhouse to host an event helping LGBTQ+ people in the area make friends, connections and talk with people. With topical question cards to keep the conversations flowing, the evening was a wonderful and effortless chance to speak with like-minded people in a way that suited introverts and extroverts alike.

Celebrations continued throughout the week, including club nights at the biggest LGBTQ+ venue in the city, Revenge, hilarious queer-themed comedy nights at Komedia, and exhilarating lip-sync battles with drag queens and drag kings across Brighton. All leading up to the full event on Saturday – the parade, and the start of Fabuloso in the Park.

The Parade was full of laughter, fun and jubilation from members of the community and allies alike. From young children to older citizens, people from all ages, backgrounds and experiences joined together to celebrate Pride in the LGBTQ+ community. The parade stretched all the way from Hove Lawns to Preston Park, where celebrations were already taking place with the launch of Fabuloso in the Park.

Packed with prominent LGBTQ+ icons, from musicians to DJs, drag queens to spokespeople, the 50th anniversary of Brighton Pride called for one of the biggest celebrations of queer culture yet. Despite the rain, wind and mud, thousands of people turned up to dance, cheer, eat, drink, and talk to each other in this feel-good environment. Extravagant costumes, glittery makeup, and rainbow outfits galore could be seen for miles and miles – a beautiful sight to behold.

Perhaps the most poignant moment of the weekend came with long-term LGBTQ+ activist Peter Tatchell, and his speech about how far we’ve come, and the steps we are still yet to make as a community. In particular, the moment he encouraged the crowd to chant for trans rights, and the immense response from thousands across the field, was truly touching. He also called for a moment of reflection for LGBTQ+ people across the world who are unable to be themselves, providing damning statistics and calling out the government for their lack of effort in developing progressive legislation - particularly where conversion therapy is concerned. Dame Kelly Holmes, who came out in June 2022, also provided a moving tribute to LGBTQ+ people who are still struggling to accept themselves, earning huge cheers of support from the audience.

Main stage headliners Zara Larsson, Black Eyed Peas, Steps, and Mel C brought people together in droves, with smaller tents all over the park providing fun for everyone. The excitement was palpable as the crowd celebrated together, feeling free to be their true authentic selves and knowing they won’t be judged by onlookers. Dancing from noon ‘til midnight in one of Brighton’s biggest Pride events yet, this year’s event was one to remember for everybody involved.

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