
Residents in Kemp Town, Brighton, are expressing growing frustration over the revised plans for this year’s Brighton Pride Street Party, voicing concerns about the lack of communication and late notice surrounding key details of the event.
Brighton Pride is one of the largest and most popular LGBTQ+ celebrations in the South of England, drawing crowds of up to 20,000 people each year. Traditionally centred around St James’ Street in the heart of Kemp Town, the street party has become a staple of the annual festivities, attracting both locals and visitors.
However, this year marks a significant shift in the event's layout. Organisers have announced that the street party will be moved from its usual location to the A259 Marine Parade — a main road running along Brighton’s seafront. The change is part of an effort to better manage crowds, improve safety, and streamline access for emergency services.
Despite these intentions, many Kemp Town residents say they’ve only recently been made aware of the relocation, road closures, and planned security arrangements — just three weeks before the event is due to take place. Some have expressed concern about the impact on traffic, parking, and daily life in the area during the busy weekend.
In response, Brighton and Hove City Council says it has been working closely with Pride organisers and emergency services for several months to ensure the event runs smoothly and safely. A council spokesperson described the new arrangements as a necessary step to support the growing scale of the celebrations while maintaining public safety.
Brighton Pride is set to take place in early August.