Brighton’s Pride shines through British summer weather

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

It may have rained on the parade, but for the tens of thousands of people in Brighton for the city’s Pride events it was, as ever, a great day out.

A decidedly damp collection of floats and marchers snaked through the streets on Saturday morning towards Preston Park, where huge crowds people partied into the evening.

The sun made intermittent appearances during the afternoon, but the carnival atmosphere was evident even under cloudy skies, as locals and what seemed like most of London’s gay population enjoyed the dance tents, funfair rides and food stalls.

The Tory candidate for Brighton Pavilion, Dr David Bull, and 60 supporters took part in the parade wearing t-shirts carrying the slogan “I’ve Come Out – I’m A Tory.”

He told PinkNews.co.uk that around half of the boys on his float were members of the party but the rest are “all Tories.”

LGBT Labour were also out in force at the parade along with the Green party.

A small protest by fundamentalist Christians was mostly ignored by Pride participants and spectators.

Sussex Police said that numbers were slightly down on the 150,000 who attended Pride last year.

They were joined by Sussex Police Chief Constable Martin Richards.

“Pride is important because it helps not only to raise awareness around all that is good about a diverse and fascinating community but also plays a real part in educating a minority who still feel that homophobic, biphobic and transphobic behaviour is acceptable,” said Chief Constable Richards.

“I am delighted to have taken part in this year’s Pride. This is a significant event for the city and it is wonderful to be a part of it.”

The police said that many members of public visited their stand in Preston Park and expressed an interest in joining the force as constables, police staff and police community support officers.

City Commander Chief Supt Paul Pearce said: “Yet again, people have attended in their thousands to line the streets and take part in the Pride celebrations.

“It has been a peaceful and successful event with very few isolated incidents. I’d like to thank all the organisers and participants for making the event such a great success.”

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