Brighton Pride is back this weekend, with thousands of people expected to fill the city for two days of music, colour and celebration.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of Brighton’s Pride movement, and events will begin with the LGBTQ+ Community Parade on Saturday 1 August.
People taking part can gather on Hove Lawns from 6am, with road closures starting at around 9.30am. The parade gets under way at 11am and will travel along Kingsway, West Street, North Street, the Old Steine and London Road before finishing at Preston Circus.
The first groups are expected to reach Preston Circus at around 1pm, although the area will remain busy until about 4pm. Roads are expected to reopen by 4.30pm.
Over at Preston Park, Pride on the Park runs from noon until 10.30pm on Saturday and from 1pm until 10pm on Sunday.
Saturday’s line-up is headed by RAYE, with Jessie J, Self Esteem, Leigh-Anne, G Flip and Moonchild Sanelly also performing.
RuPaul will appear with a DJ set, while dance fans can see Purple Disco Machine, Bimini, Daniel Avery, Oxylion and Danger and Patrick Mason.
On Sunday, Diana Ross will headline, joined by Five, Holly Johnson and Paris Hilton. Mel C will also be appearing with a DJ set.
The Sunday dance line-up includes Armand Van Helden, The Blessed Madonna, Girls Don’t Sync, HAAi, Hannah Wants and I. Jordan.
A large policing operation will be in place throughout the weekend. Sussex Police says uniformed and plain-clothed officers will be deployed across Brighton and Hove, alongside specialist teams and armed officers.
Police say the presence of armed officers is standard for an event of this size and is not in response to a specific threat.
Visitors are being asked to stay alert, keep an eye on their friends and report anything suspicious to police, security staff or stewards.
Festivalgoers should also avoid bringing large bags, with bags limited to smaller than A4 size. Searches will be carried out before people enter the festival.
NHS Sussex is advising people to drink plenty of water, regularly apply suncream and arrange a meeting point with friends in case anyone gets separated.
Anyone who becomes unwell but does not have a life-threatening condition should use NHS 111 online or call 111. Pharmacies and local health centres can also help with minor illnesses.
A&E departments and 999 should only be used for serious or life-threatening emergencies.
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