Sussex Police says the presence of armed officers at Brighton Pride is standard practice for a major event.
They will form part of a wider operation involving uniformed and plain-clothed teams across the city.
Police say security plans have been developed over several months to ensure everyone can enjoy a safe celebration.
The safety concern about this years Brighton Pride celebrations comes just after an attack on Berlin Pride in which one woman was killed and 29 people were injured.
In a statement issued via Brighton Police socials on Facebook, Sussex Police said: "You may have seen the headlines about armed police patrolling at this year's Brighton Pride.
"While this may sound alarming, firearms officers are just one of the many teams we have working at the event to keep people safe, alongside uniformed units and plain-clothed officers.
"There have been armed officers at Brighton Pride in previous years and this is standard practice for events of this scale.
"This is all part of a comprehensive plan we have in place to ensure an effective policing operation, which has been months in the planning alongside the event organisers and partners.
"Public safety remains our top priority and we will continue to work tirelessly with organisers and other agencies throughout the weekend to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable celebration."
Get the latest BREAKING NEWS for the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today! Read with ease, no annoying pop-up ads.
V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.
Turning Tides in West Sussex launches urgent Harvest Appeal for food donations
Sussex detectives investigating boy's murder launch fresh appeal on 45th anniversary of his disappearance
Crawley MP welcomes new measures to protect children from youth vaping
Four tower blocks decommissioned in Portsmouth
Hampshire and West Sussex among Britain’s riskiest counties for cyclists
Amber heat-health alert issued across the South as temperatures climb
Motorcyclist seriously injured in Chichester roundabout crash
More than 13,000 potholes repaired as West Sussex adapts roads for extreme weather
Save West of Ifield meeting
Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy visit HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth
On Air