While you count down the days until Brighton Pride 2022, take a look back on the events and achievements that have shaped it to be one of the world’s biggest and best Pride events…
The first Pride event in Brighton
Although a small demonstration put together by the Sussex Gay Liberation Front took place in the city in 1973, it wasn’t until 1991 that a large-scale protest came to Brighton. This was in rebuttal of the government putting forward laws to prevent the promotion of homosexuality. The protest Prides lasted for four years, which all finished with a Pink Picnic.
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Moving to Preston Park
When the party Pride started, the event grew and changed into the parades and street parties the world is familiar with today. In 1996 the permanent home of Pride became Preston Park, where the Pink Picnics were held. Subsequent festivities have taken place here, including many stage performances.
Becoming a charity
In 2004 the event was awarded charity status, with all profits from the event going back into organising and running it, as well as fundraising money. Since new management took over in 2011, £1 from every ticket cost goes to LGBT/HIV organisations and charities that provide frontline work to the LGBT community.
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Hitting a money milestone
After facing bankruptcy in 2011, Brighton Pride changed leadership. After this, the event grew even more in size, and they have raised a considerable amount for others in need. Under the current organisers’ tenure, almost £1 million has been raised for local good causes, the vast majority of which The Brighton Rainbow Fund has distributed as grants.
Hosting iconic performances
Today, the event attracts big headliners to perform on the main stage. In 2018, the world-famous singer Britney Spears was watched by 57,000 revellers in person, and in 2019 Australian legend Kylie Minogue dazzled the crowd.
Mariah Carey was due to play in 2021, but unfortunately, the event was cancelled. However, this year's festivities will welcome Christina Aguilera, Paloma Faith, Todrick Hall, Jake Shears and many more fabulous performers to make up for last year's absence.
Find out more about Brighton Pride and its future plans at Brighton-pride.org
