Storm Antoni Met office amber warnings of 50+mph gale force winds and heavy rain, on top of no trains on Saturday, failed to keep many people away for the 50th anniversary of their annual Brighton & Hove Pride event – the UK’s biggest Pride celebration
The annual celebration is the city’s largest single event, expected to boost the economy by more than £20 million over the weekend.
An estimated 250,000 people lined the streets for the parade, and the crowds flocked to enjoy the live music and entertainment as part of the official Pride community fundraiser “Fabuloso in the Park” at Preston Park on Saturday and Sunday despite the wind and rain, and national train strike on Saturday.
Plenty of choice with nine stages on Saturday and six stages on Sunday, with mega music acts delivering stunning performances and 170 artists appearing, including more than 150 LGBTQ+ artist on the bill.
Will i.am and his Black Eyed Peas headlined the main stage on day # 1 and Steps topped the bill on day # 2, a UK exclusive performance for 2023 and their last show before a planned hiatus.
Saturday saw Bellah Mae, The Blackmordia, Mae Muller, Jax Jones, Confidence Man, Dylan and Zara Larsson warm things up on the main stage for The Black Eyed Peas, whose headline set was cut short due to technical issues affecting the sound.
Will.i.am, Apl.de.ap and Taboo were joined by singer J Rey for some of their set. Will and Apl both wore rainbow wrist bands for the show.
Sunday’s man stage menu offered up Tom Aspaul, Harley Moon Kemp, B*Witched, The Vivienne, Louise, Melanie C and Steps do their thing in fine style. A surprise stint in the town centre for Hozier who popped up as a busker and drew a big crowd.
Eddie Izzard and Dame Kelly Holmes were spotted during the parade among many celebs’ enjoying the event. Gok Wan delivered a storming DJ set in the Gaydio tent to a packed house.
Previous stars to appear at the Brighton & Hove Pride event include Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue, Dua Lipa, Pet Shop Boys, Fatboy Slim and Boy George among many others. Last year’s event saw US superstar Christina Aguilera headline.
SUNDAY:
Photos by Rothschild *
* Except all images (6) marked *** : Courtesy of Brighton & Hove Pride/WMA Agency.
Words by Jilly Gold
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