Brighton marked the 35th anniversary of its annual Pride event with a vibrant celebration emphasizing the theme of the power of love. The seaside city drew hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators over the weekend, highlighting both community pride and local economic impact.

The festivities included headline performances from Brit Award-winning singer Raye on Saturday evening and pop icon Diana Ross scheduled to perform on Sunday. The event coincided with heightened security measures following a recent knife attack at a Pride event in Berlin, which resulted in one fatality and 29 injuries. In response, armed police were deployed throughout Brighton to ensure public safety during the large-scale gathering.

Jack Goddard, a member of the LGBTQ+ choir Rainbow Chorus, described the event as “a joyous celebration,” reflecting the spirit of inclusivity and solidarity that the festival aims to promote. Pride in Brighton continues to serve as both a cultural highlight and a platform for LGBTQ+ visibility.

Organizers reported that the event has contributed more than £1.4 million to various LGBTQ+ causes, further underlining its role in supporting the community beyond the festivities. The parade and related activities also delivered a significant financial boost to the local economy. Public services such as the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and National Rail participated in the event, demonstrating broad community engagement.

Overall, Brighton Pride maintained its reputation as one of the United Kingdom’s leading LGBTQ+ celebrations, combining entertainment, advocacy, and economic benefits in a secure and inclusive environment.