Brighton Pride marks 35 years with record-breaking celebration

Brighton and Hove Pride celebrated its 35th anniversary this weekend, drawing an estimated 300,000 people to the parade and up to 450,000 visitors across the city, reinforcing its status as the UK’s largest Pride event.

The main festival, Pride in the Park, welcomed headline performer Raye on Saturday, with Diana Ross scheduled to headline on Sunday. The two-day music line-up also includes Five, Jessie J, Self Esteem, Leigh-Anne and a DJ set from RuPaul, reflecting the event’s continued pull for major LGBTQ+ allies and artists.

Brighton’s first Pride march took place in July 1973, organised by the Sussex Gay Liberation Front at a time when only a small share of the community felt able to be visibly out. Pride did not return to the city again until 1991. This year’s milestone edition placed strong emphasis on honouring those early activists and “remembering the courage it took to be visible” as LGBTQ+ people faced hostility and legal inequality.

The parade set off from Hove Lawns at 11:00 on Saturday, following a route along King’s Road, West Street, North Street and London Road. Crowds lined the streets with rainbow flags, banners and community group contingents representing a wide range of identities across the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

Beyond its cultural and political significance, Pride continues to deliver a substantial financial benefit to Brighton and Hove. Organisers report that the event has raised more than £1.4m for LGBTQ+ causes over the years, alongside a major uplift for local hospitality, retail and tourism businesses.

Managing director Paul Kemp, who first got involved with Brighton Pride as a club promoter in the mid-1990s and has led the organisation since 2013, described this year’s theme as “the power of love”. He said the anniversary has sharpened focus across the community at a time when many feel LGBTQ+ rights face renewed pressure.

“We are coming out, and we are not going away,” Kemp said, emphasising the importance of visibility, solidarity and continued advocacy.

As Brighton Pride demonstrates the impact of collective action and community, LGBTQ+ professionals and allies looking to stay connected, access inclusive opportunities and support equality year-round can extend that spirit by signing up to myGwork, the global business community for LGBTQ+ people and inclusive employers.

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