Firmly established as the UK’s biggest and most popular Pride festival, Brighton & Hove Pride’s sole ethos is to promote diversity, inclusion and education within the community while raising funds for local LGBTQ+ charities, community groups and projects.

50 years after the first Brighton ‘Gay Pride March’ in the city, Brighton & Hove Pride defied the wind, rain and last-minute travel disruptions (caused by rail operator GTR), to return for another amazing year.

Under this year’s theme ‘DARE TO BE DIFFERENT’ over one hundred local charities, community groups, small businesses, essential blue light services and LGBTQ+ figureheads, such as Dame Kelly Holmes and Suzy Eddie Izzard, graced the streets of Brighton and Hove for the annual Brighton & Hove Pride LGBTQ+ Community Parade.

At Preston Park the two-day community fundraising event FABULOSO saw thousands of people attend on Saturday where the rain turned into rainbows and didn’t dampen the spirits! I spent the day diving in and out of the incredible Gaydio dance tent and enjoying some wonderful camp drag performances on the Hunsnet stage (thank you Gareth for the merch). The Black Eyed Peas headlined the main stage for a set full of hits during the evening.

The sun came out in full force on Sunday, with a day of back-to-back 90s and 00s nostalgia. The one and only global icon Melanie C put on an incredible performance, but the highlight was clearly a full show from Steps.  Whilst Steps are known for their high-energy, dance-centric pop tracks, they also made sure to pay their respects to the queer community, including an extremely powerful speech followed by an emotionally powerful performance dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community.

It’s very easy to get lost in the party atmosphere and forget how essential these Pride events have been to LGBTQ progression. Well done Brighton & Hove Pride for once again staging a world-class event to be Proud of!