Brighton & Hove Pride 2023

Brighton & Hove Pride and Community Parade, 5th & 6th August 2023

A storm incoming? No trains running into Brighton? If anyone thought the party atmosphere would be dampened by the weather or the extraordinary decision to ensure the safety of those travelling by (checks notes) cancelling public transport… they were well and truly wrong. Pride is such an integral part of the city that it will be there regardless of setbacks, and people will come, and they will party.

Kudos goes to all those not just taking part in the Community Parade, but lining the streets from Hove Lawns to Preston Park to cheer it on. A cavalcade of colour, the parade was well supported by local businesses, charities and voluntary groups, and an appearance from Suzy Eddie Izzard was well received by the crowd. A shout out also to those following on behind to ensure the route was spotless only moments after it was completed.

Onto the familiar yet almost unrecognisable territory of Preston Park, transformed into a festival village complete with fun-fair, big names on the main stage and plenty of hidden treats on the smaller stages across the park. A couple of downpours on Saturday made for the full festival experience, as many a pair of pristine white trainers muddied their way around the site – all in good spirit though and the smiling faces never let up. A good excuse if anything to head to the Gaydio Dance Tent to escape the rain, then stay for the tunes.

A speech from Peter Tatchell segued into a stand out performance from Confidence Man on the main stage in the afternoon, while over at the Strongbow stage, acts including Miss Leigh Ding and Elektra Fence entertained in style. The evening saw Black Eyed Peas having to literally Shut Up as they over-ran their set but gained a singalong from the audience to finish the night.

Elektra Fence at Brighton & Hove Pride 2023

True to its name, the sun came out on Sunday, with an acoustic segment of Spice Girls’ songs from Mel C, and headliners Steps bringing the party to a close with H reminding us that not everyone in the LGBTQ+ community has a safe space but it’s something every person deserves.

Well done to all involved in making this year’s Pride happen. Protest or celebration, it brings an atmosphere to the whole city like no other event.

From the post-event press release:

50 years after the first Brighton ‘Gay Pride March’ in the city, Brighton & Hove Pride defied the wind, rain and travel disruptions to return for another spectacular year and a weekend packed full of campaigning, protest and partying in equal measure. After what has been a challenging year, it was a fantastic celebration with members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies across the city coming together for a safe and happy Pride.

Managing Director Paul Kemp comments:

“Following a challenging year for Brighton & Hove Pride, we were incredibly proud to see the LGBTQ+ community, our allies and the amazing people of Brighton and Hove come out in force to celebrate and enjoy a safe and happy Pride”.