Brighton is preparing for one of its biggest weekends of the year as Pride 2025 takes over the city, with pop legend Mariah Carey set to headline the celebrations.
An estimated 300,000 people are expected to attend this weekend’s festivities, which include the iconic Community Parade, the Pride in the Park festival, and a revamped Pride Village Party. This year’s theme, “Ravishing Rage,” aims to highlight both celebration and protest, in line with Pride’s activist roots.
Mariah Carey will take to the stage in Preston Park on Saturday, marking her first UK performance since 2019. She leads a packed line-up that also includes the Sugababes and many other artists across various stages. Organisers say the festival will feature a redesigned layout, with cabaret, live music, a community village, family zone, funfair and dance areas.
A major change for 2025 is the relocation of the Pride Street Party from St James’s Street to Marine Parade. The seafront road will be closed to traffic to allow more space for music zones, drag shows, and partnerships with LGBTQ+ venues. St James’s Street itself will remain open to pedestrians and vehicles, following feedback from residents who previously raised concerns about access and disruption.
However, not everyone is happy. Some Kemptown residents say they were only informed of road closures days before the event and are frustrated at the ongoing transformation of their neighbourhood into what they describe as a “festival zone.”
Pride organisers have defended the planning process, saying they carried out extensive consultation with residents, including in-person sessions and online surveys. They also point to enhanced security and accessibility measures aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive event for both attendees and locals.
Brighton & Hove City Council and Sussex Police have worked closely with Pride CIC to coordinate travel, security, and emergency services in anticipation of the huge crowds.
Despite the concerns, the city is expected to embrace Pride once again in a colourful, high-energy celebration of LGBTQ+ rights, inclusion, and community.
Find out more about what is happening this weekend at www.brighton-pride.org
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