As summer warms the shores of England’s vibrant south coast, Brighton & Hove once again prepares to welcome tens of thousands for one of the UK’s most spectacular and meaningful events: Brighton & Hove Pride 2025. Taking place over the weekend of August 2nd and 3rd, this year’s Pride promises an unforgettable fusion of joy, protest, and solidarity under the powerful theme, “Ravishing Rage.”
More Than a Party: Pride as Protest and Celebration
Brighton Pride has long been synonymous with bright colours, dazzling costumes, and jubilant crowds, but its significance runs deeper than a mere festival. The theme “Ravishing Rage” reflects the spirit of resilience and defiant joy that has defined LGBTQ+ activism through decades of struggle. It’s a moment to honour the history of resistance, to demand visibility and equality, and to revel unapologetically in identity and community. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a seasoned Pride veteran, Brighton & Hove Pride 2025 invites you to be part of a weekend that blends celebration and activism seamlessly. The weekend’s heart beats strongest on Saturday morning with the iconic Pride Parade. Starting at Hove Lawns, the vibrant procession will weave through the city streets to Preston Park, showcasing a kaleidoscope of floats, performers, activists, allies, and community groups. More than just spectacle, the parade is a powerful public demonstration of love, resistance, and unity. It brings together people from all walks of life – drag queens, dancers, charities, small businesses, and emergency services – marching shoulder to shoulder to celebrate identity and demand progress. The route follows the seafront, then turns into the bustling city streets before culminating in Preston Park, where the party truly begins. Whether you join the march or cheer from the sidelines, the energy is electric and the message clear: Pride is both joy and celebration.
Pride on the Park: Music, Culture, and Connection
Once the parade concludes, Preston Park transforms into a massive festival ground. The much-loved Pride on the Park is a multi-stage event hosting headline acts, dance floors, pop-up bars, food trucks, and community zones. This year’s lineup is stellar, featuring iconic performers such as:
- Mariah Carey, a revered LGBTQ+ ally and global pop powerhouse, known for her enduring anthems and festive classics.
- Loreen, two-time Eurovision winner, bringing her captivating vocals and electrifying stage presence.
- The Sugababes, the legendary girl group with multiple UK number ones, closing the festival with their chart-topping hits.
Alongside these stars, festival-goers can enjoy diverse spaces like the Cabaret Stage with drag and comedy acts, Queer Town celebrating alternative queer culture, and the Dance Big Top highlighting LGBTQ+ DJs and talent.
Pride Street Party: Marine Parade Comes Alive
As evening falls on both Saturday and Sunday, Brighton’s Marine Parade turns into a pedestrian-only festival zone for the Pride Street Party – a pulsating street festival with live DJs, drag performances, and themed party zones. Expect appearances from big names like Danny Beard and Tayce, alongside immersive zones such as the Bears Zone and Ibiza Terrace. This lively street party offers a perfect seaside celebration with outdoor bars, food stalls, and dance floors running from mid-afternoon into the night. Tickets are required, and proceeds support the Pride Social Impact Fund, underscoring the event’s commitment to community support. Brighton’s independent spirit shines brightly during Pride, especially through the efforts of local businesses and partners. Connected100 members are offering unique Pride weekend experiences, from exclusive parade watch parties to special menus and luxe rooftop terrace events.
Highlights include:
- Hello My Moon Cafe on London Road, blending Syrian culinary heritage with inclusive warmth, offering takeaway delights perfect for Pride picnics.
- No. 124 Brighton hosting a glamorous Pride Terrace Party with live performances and spectacular parade views.
- Komedia Brighton presenting “Gal Pals: Pride Special,” a queer dance party safe space for women and non-binary folks to dance the night away.
Inclusive and Accessible for All
Brighton Pride champions inclusivity, with a dedicated Family Diversity Area in Preston Park featuring child-friendly activities and safe spaces for families. Accessibility is prioritized with viewing platforms, BSL interpreters on main stages, accessible toilets, quiet zones, and transport assistance to ensure everyone can fully enjoy the festivities.
Tips for an Unforgettable Pride Weekend
- Plan Ahead: Book tickets, accommodation, and transport early as the city fills quickly.
- Stay Comfortable: August in Brighton can be sunny and warm—bring sunscreen, stay hydrated, and wear comfy shoes.
- Celebrate Boldly: Embrace the spirit of Pride with colourful, expressive outfits.
- Look Out for Each Other: Pride is about community – check in on your friends and be kind to fellow revellers.
Pride is Power
Brighton & Hove Pride is more than a weekend – it is a vital, living expression of LGBTQ+ strength, love, and resilience. From Mariah Carey’s anthems to the sparkling drag performances and the joyous crowds waving rainbow flags, every moment contributes to a powerful legacy of visibility and change. So, get ready to join the city’s vibrant streets and parks for Ravishing Rage, radiant joy, and community connection. From the beachside to Preston Park, the entire city becomes a stage. Expect performances that defy genre, outfits that challenge the binary, and a crowd that knows its history – and refuses to be erased. And when the sun begins to dip, that’s when Brighton does what it does best: turns the revolution into a party. Because make no mistake – music is the heartbeat of this Pride. This year’s headline act, the Sugababes, aren’t just here to perform. With their genre-blurring catalogue and cult queer following, they’re the perfect crescendo to a weekend of defiant celebration. When they belt out “Push the Button” under the Brighton sky, it won’t just be nostalgia – it’ll be a call to action. A reminder that pleasure is somewhat political, and the dancefloor is sacred ground. Brighton Pride 2025 is about affirmation – of queer joy, pain, and futures. It’s about showing up, dressing loud, dancing harder, and remembering: rage can be ravishing, and presence is never quiet. Together, we celebrate who we are and who we continue to become. Brighton Pride 2025 awaits – let’s make it a weekend to remember.
HersToday is proudly supporting UK Pride Organisers Network.
