Brighton & Hove Pride 2025 got underway on Saturday [2nd August 2025] with “Pride on The Park” supported by Hayu, the official Pride community fundraiser, with a star-studded two-day lineup – and you cannot get much bigger than global superstar Mariah Carey – with a UK festival exclusive – who lit up the stage as Saturday’s headliner.
Head to toe in bespoke creations by Julian Mendez Couture and Rey Ortiz – both celebrated designers and outspoken allies of the LGBT+ community. A standout piece was her bedazzled bomber jacket, emblazoned with PROTECT THE DOLLS to show her support and ally-ship to the trans community.
“I just want you to know that I’ll always, always be there for you,” the certified icon told an emotional crowd at Preston Park.
A 90-minute jam-packed show of non-stop hits, the setlist included ‘Fantasy’, ‘Obsessed’, ‘My All’, ‘Always Be My Baby’ and the international live debut of new single ‘Sugar Sweet’, lifted from her forthcoming 16th studio album ‘Here For It All’.
With three outfit changes, Mariah brought her signature glitz and glamour to the Pride stage, also paying homage to the UK in a stunning custom Alexander McQueen ensemble.
An impressive array of ensemble vocalists and dancers added a high energy spectacle, with an appearance from Mariah’s long standing music collaborator and close friend Trey Lorenz.
Mariah brought the show to an unforgettable close in true Mimi style, providing fans with all the nostalgic hits and major superstar sparkle.
The chart topper drew a jaw-dropping crowd, which included many familiar faces such as Dame Kelly Holmes, Alan Carr, The Real Housewives of London cast, Cat Burns, Munroe Bergdorf, Romy Madley-Croft and Rob Rinder.
Boyband newcomers ABSNT MIND brought their heartthrob energy to the stage, closely followed by an iconic performance by Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge, whose discography of hits including ‘Greatest Dancer’ and ‘We Are Family’.
American singer and rapper Slayyyter turned the heat all the way up for an energetic performance, which included new single ‘BEAT UP CHANEL$’, followed by electro-pop duo Confidence Man, who brought their irresistible vibes to the party. Ashnikko preceded two-time Eurovision winner Loreen.
In a new location this year, Pride’s dance tent was hosted by False Idols for a unique Pride experience for 2025. DJ sets from Romy, Bimini and Joshua James as well as live shows from Katy B, COBRAH and Dorian Electra kept the high-octane dance loving crowd fuelled up until curfew.
With the sensational Saturday complete, Sunday’s headliners The Sugababes – a UK Pride exclusive – will be joined by Will Young, Natalie Imbruglia, Andy Bell of Erasure, Beth Ditto, Fatboy Slim and many more.
Pride has raised over £1.4million for local LGBTQ+, HIV and community groups, distributed through the Pride Community Foundation, the Pride Social Impact Fund, Pride Cultural Development Fund and Pride Solidarity Fund.
Photos by Samir Hussein/WireImage [for ABA]
