Mariah Carey, after years of anticipation, took to the stage at Brighton Pride’s headline event, Pride in the Park, on Saturday, August 2. The global pop icon, whose original 2020 appearance was cancelled due to the pandemic, was the main draw for thousands who packed into Preston Park under clear summer skies. Her 90-minute set struck a balance between enduring ballads and uptempo fan favourites. Carey opened with Make It Happen and Dreamlover, immediately energising the park. She moved seamlessly through Hero and Without You, both drawing a quiet but intense singalong from the crowd. Later, she delivered a series of upbeat crowd-pleasers including Fantasy, Emotions, and Always Be My Baby, which had many singing along from the grass banks and dance zones alike.
Carey’s Obsessed drew a mixed reaction and her follow-up, I Know What You Want, quickly pulled attention back to the stage. The set wasn’t complete without a standout rendition of We Belong Together, which held the crowd in place even as temperatures dipped slightly into the evening. Midway through the show, she debuted her latest single, Sugar Sweet – a breezy, R&B-tinged track released just weeks before Pride. The song, featuring Kehlani and Shenseea, injected a summery lift into the set, offering a glimpse of the dynamic on her upcoming album. Backed by soft visuals and her signature whistle tones, it slotted naturally between her better-known tracks. Vocally, she was in form throughout. Her falsetto remained clear, the high notes landed, and her delivery carried the ease of a seasoned performer. The set wasn’t flashy, but it was confident and consistent.
Earlier in the afternoon, veteran disco act Sister Sledge brought an entirely different energy. Taking the stage as one of the day’s first major acts, the group delivered a tight set of hits including Frankie, Lost in Music, and We Are Family to a responsive and upbeat crowd. Their set helped define the tone for the day: light, familiar, and inclusive.
Photos: HersToday/Brighton Pride 2025
Saturday’s line-up at Preston Park reflected Brighton Pride’s trademark diversity. Up-and-coming pop act Slayyyter took the stage in the mid-afternoon, delivering a sharp, high-energy set. Ashnikko followed with her own brand of glitch-pop and visual theatrics, while Confidence Man delivered one of the day’s most dynamic performances. Their early evening set combined choreographed dance, synth-heavy production, and crowd interaction that extended all the way to the back of the park. By the time Eurovision winner Loreen took the stage next, the crowd was fully buzzing with energy. Her set featured Euphoria and other tracks from her catalogue, backed by moody staging and a strong vocal showing.
The festival area began filling steadily from midday, with footfall peaking around 7 PM as main stage headliners approached. Despite the high turnout, entry remained smooth. Queueing at gates was minimal, and stewards helped maintain a steady flow between viewing zones, food stalls, toilets, and bar areas. Accessibility services appeared well-coordinated, and volunteers were consistently visible across the site. The atmosphere across the park was hyped but measured. Groups sat together on blankets; others danced freely around the main stage. Many attendees cited Carey’s headline slot as the main reason they chose to attend this year’s Brighton Pride, while others praised the diversity of acts, smooth entry, and well-managed facilities.
Brighton Pride continues on Sunday, August 3, with a second day of live performances at Preston Park. Headliners include Sugababes, Will Young, and Natalie Imbruglia, alongside a full schedule of acts across the dance and cabaret stages.
