Party in the Park at Brighton Pride

With the sunniest and warmest weather I've seen at a pride so far this year, we packed our bags and headed down to Brighton to enjoy one of the largest pride events in the UK.

Following a lovely brunch with new friends, we headed over to London Road to find a good viewing spot. The parade, disco-ing from the Marine Parade to Preston Park, was a massive improvement from last year. With plenty of community groups marching and the big corporates going very day to create a pride effort. 


We wandered up to Preston Park, and managed to avoid an long queue to get in - with a much improved gating service this year, including on the day ticket sales via a mobile app for those last minute purchases. 

We were guests at the first ever Alternative Stage for Brighton Pride, the Q Alternative, brought together and hosted by the fabulous Mel Sanson from local band Kenelis. Mel curated a fantastic line up bringing together the best of the non mainstream from hip hop to folk to heavy rock and including headline acts Lucy Spraggan and Republica.

CN Lester and the LC collective got the stage off to a fantastic start and a growing crowd. MC Angel & Serene from the LC collective said that the group were looking to performing, having previously played on the urban stage. Their favourite moment of the parade was all the "gay families, who looked fabulous, it was enlightening, and heart warming." CN Lester said that their performance felt "fantastic" with a "chilled out" audience. They were looking forward to visiting all the community stalls later in the day.

Adam All compered and intertwined with a few drag numbers to help continue the proceedings. Adam and on stage girlfriend Apple said that "the atmosphere was wonderful and the crowd were really warm, and they enjoyed introducing some very amazing bands".

We popped along to the main stage for a cheeky visit to watch Heather Peace, who was performing at Brighton Pride for the first time, her "adopted home town" after 14 years in residence. Not unexpectedly, she played to a huge crowd of fans.

Back over the Q Alternative stage, for some interviews, (check out Republica and Lucy Spraggan) and some more killer performances including Joan ov Arc and Battle of You.

A fantastic set from Lucy Spraggan followed, who said that "Brighton Pride crowd was her favourite of the summer so far" and even managed a little fancy footwork alongside the super strumming guitar. She certainly drew in a a large crowd to the stage. Very generously, Lucy did a signing with fans after performing.

Kenelis brought the hardcore to the stage with a popular set and some serious messages about why we were there. 

And then came the highly anticipated Republica, as dusk was falling, sending goosebumps all over our skin. A set filled with high energy, classic hits and new tunes, Republica had the audience bouncing and singing along with real charisma and presence. What a way to close the park.


Sunday was a bit more chilled. A few drinks and pool at The Marlborough, then into the pedestrianised street party of St James Street and surrounding roads. We popped into Pout and experienced some fantastic performances from Misty Vine and stealing the show, LoUis CYfer.

By Katie