Attention: this is not a drill… It’s what we’ve been waiting for – Brighton Pride is finally here. This weekend the gorgeous seaside resort on the south coast will be basking not only in the sunshine but in the glow of the LGBT+ community with more gay stuff of every kind than you can shake a bucket and spade at including the parade, parties, cabaret, amazing live acts, DJs, people of every gender you can imagine, community events, political stuff, oh and Britney fecking Spears! Here’s just a few of the highlights.
Pride Warm Up
Friday 3 August
If you are getting to Brighton early, or are lucky enough to live there, there’s a load of Pride events happening on Friday (3 Aug) at the Pride Pleasure Gardens. Top of the pops will be Pride Goes Pop with DJ superstar and Boyz Award-winner Lady Lloyd and it’s free before 11pm. Plus there’s also Pecs, a cabaret show from the drag king troupe, or bingo with Boogaloo Stu. Queer Takeover is on all weekend at The Marlborough on Princes Street or if you want some world-class house music head to OhSo Social where the Freemasons will be DJing. There’s more information on the website.
The Parade
Saturday 4 August
There’s no better way to start the big day than with the Parade and this year’s theme is Colour My World. It starts at 11am at Hove Lawns on the seafront and winds its way through the town until it arrives at Preston Park. This year there will be more people taking part in the Parade than ever before so get there early to claim your spot.
Pride Festival at Preston Park
Saturday 4 August
There’s been loads of press and social media this year on the fact that the one and only Britney Spears is performing at Brighton Pride and yes, wowsers, it will be incredible – she’s bringing her full live show to Preston Park, an amazing achievement for the team to have pulled this off.
But the Pride Festival is SO much more than just Britney; on the main stage alone you also get Louise, MNEK, Pixie Lott, Ella Eyre and more. Plus there’s the dance tents of all kinds including Diva, Brut, Urban World and the Pride Dance Big Top. There’s the trans stage, women’s performance area, fun fair, family area, food stalls and much more. One of the most popular spaces is the Legends’ Cabaret Tent, which this year, as well as the best acts from all over the UK, has something very special lined up – organiser and host Lola Lasagne told us more:
“Despite the presence of Britney Spears the Legends Cabaret Big Top is set to be one of the highlights of this year’s Brighton Pride. It’s always a pleasure to gather the best of the UK’s cabaret scene in one place for the party of the year. Brighton artists lead the way with the living legend that is Maisie Trollette, who’ll be celebrating her 85th birthday in a fortnight, alongside the forces of nature that are Miss Jason and Dave Lynn. Mary Mac will be giving us the first performance of her extended medley and The DE Experience will be providing the perfect end to the day with an exquisite performance.
“I am very excited that Martha D’Arthur has asked teen drag queen Athena Heart to guest with her at 5.25pm. It’s a perfect example of what Pride strives to do, showing love, acceptance and respect to everybody regardless of age, sexuality and gender. Britney might be taking centre stage in the park but Brighton will be showing the world that we aim to lead the way in celebrating Pride and showing off the city and its brilliant LGBT+ scene. See you at 2pm. Be proud, be safe and be yourselves!”
And don’t forget there’s a host of gorgeous events happening at the Pleasure Gardens in the town including Sink The Pink presents Ta Da!
LoveBN1 Fest
Sunday 5 August
This year on Sunday not only do we get The Glory and their Big Gay Barn Dance, Sunday Sundae Pride Reunion, Legends non-stop cabaret fundraiser, the Pride Village Party and more, but we also get a whole second day in Preston Park. LoveBN1 Fest is from 1.30pm and will feature loads of fun things in the park and will focus on the main stage with acts such as Gabrielle, Jess Glynne, Raye and headlining will be disco legends Chic and Nile Rodgers. This will be an amazing way to spend your Sunday, dancing in the sun to hits such as Le Freak, Good Times, I Want Your Love and more. Tickets for the Sunday are still available.
For more information on all aspects of Brighton Pride, tickets and more, go to brighton-pride.org
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