Everything You Need to Know About Brighton Pride 2026: Parade Details, Pride on the Park Events, and Street Party Line-ups

Brighton & Hove Pride is set to return this weekend, marking its 35th anniversary with an explosion of glitter and vibrant rainbow colours. The event will feature contemporary pop sensation Raye and legendary icon Diana Ross as the headliners for Pride on the Park, taking place on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, respectively. The much-anticipated Pride Parade will commence along Brighton’s promenade on Saturday, offering a free spectacle for all attendees.

Tickets for general admission to Pride on the Park on Saturday start at £62.88, while Sunday tickets are available from £60.60. For those wishing to immerse themselves in the entire weekend experience, tickets for Party in the Park can be purchased from £132.60. The main stage will showcase some of the UK’s most prominent pop artists, with Raye performing alongside Jessie J, Self Esteem, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock on Saturday. The illustrious RuPaul will also make an exclusive appearance, spinning tracks as a DJ. Sunday will see Diana Ross take the stage, supported by Five, Holly Johnson of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and Spice Girl Melanie C.

A Rich History of Pride in Brighton

The inaugural Gay Pride in Brighton took place in 1973, organised by the Sussex Gay Liberation Front, which had been formed two years earlier by students and local LGBTQ+ activists. A “Gay Day” was even held in 1972 as a precursor to the march. While initial participation was modest, with only a handful of individuals turning out to march in 1973, Brighton’s reputation as a gay-friendly destination has grown significantly over the years. The city is home to several iconic venues such as Legends, The Marine Tavern, and The Queen’s Head, which have all contributed to its thriving LGBTQ+ scene.

After a hiatus, Pride resurfaced in 1991, driven by community members protesting against the Thatcher government’s Section 28 policy, which prohibited local councils and schools from “promoting homosexuality” or acknowledging the validity of same-sex relationships. This pivotal moment marked a new chapter in Brighton’s Pride history, firmly establishing it as a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community.

Details of the Parade and Festivities

The parade will kick off at Hove Lawns near the West Pier at 11 am on Saturday, proceeding along King’s Road, up West Street, past the iconic clock tower, and onto North Street. The procession will then meander around the Royal Pavilion before making its longest stretch along London Road, eventually concluding at the junction of Preston Road, Victoria Street, and Old Shoreham Road.

Pride on the Park has evolved into a significant highlight of Brighton Pride, featuring two world-class acts on the main stage. Saturday’s roster includes Raye, known for her hits such as “Escapism,” “You Don’t Know Me,” and “Where The Hell Is My Husband.” Other performers include Jessie J, Self Esteem, and RuPaul, along with a host of DJs across the weekend. On Sunday, Diana Ross will headline the event, supported by a stellar lineup including FIVE, Holly Johnson, and Mel C, with additional performances from prominent artists throughout the day.

The Vibrant Street Party Experience

This year, the Brighton Pride Street Party will once again take place on Marine Parade over the weekend, featuring an array of dynamic stages, music zones, bars, and food stalls. Tickets are priced at £36.06 for either day, while a weekend pass is available for just £37.20. For many members of Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community, the street party epitomises the spirit of Pride, with renowned drag queens like Dave Lynn, Davina Sparkle, Son Of A Tutu, and Vicki Vivacious performing live.

The festivities will be hosted by well-known personalities Sally Vate, Billie Gold, and Pixie Polite, alongside tribute acts such as Absolute Britney and Melissa Totten as Madonna. Headliners will include Gok Wan and Bimini, with additional supporting acts enriching the entertainment schedule.

Official After-Parties to Continue the Celebration

Following the main events, several official after-parties are planned, including the Concorde 2 Official Afterparty at 286A Madeira Drive, starting at 10 pm on Saturday, featuring artists like I. Jordan and Mae Muller. Other notable events include Horse Meat Disco at Patterns and the Gaydio Afterparty at OHSO Social, both set to take place on Saturday evening. For those seeking a longer celebration, venues such as Revenge and R-Bar will be hosting festivities throughout the weekend, with Rainbow Weekend Wristbands offering queue-jump access and entry to the street party.

Brighton Pride will take place on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, promising a weekend filled with joy, celebration, and community spirit.