Brighton Pride 2008

All around the world, ay ay ay...

No longer just a bizarre Lisa Stansfield 80s lyric I'll have you know - but also the theme of this year's Brighton Pride. (Well, if you lose the ay ay ay bit anyway.)

Brighton Pride is the largest festival of its kind in Europe and I thought it might be nice to take a wee look at how the event started and grew into such a seminal event in the gay calendar.

The history of Pride in Brighton & Hove stretches back to 1992 with a very modest afternoon event on The Level, complete with a few chaps and chapesses and some banners. It was probably at the time a bit more political than it is now too, which hopefully reflects that things are changing. These days its less of a political rally and more a celebration of all things gay, lesbian and transgender.

Since its fledgling days of 1992 Brighton Pride has evolved into the biggest free Pride festival in the UK. It was voted the best Pride in 2003 and 2004 by Gay Times and Boyz magazines and named 'Event of the Year' at the first annual Brighton and Hove Business Awards in 2004. Hosting a week of community events every February and August, the Pride summer Festival culminates in a Carnival Parade from the sea front, through the city to a Preston Park and a host of wonderful, eclectic people celebrating all things GAY.

What's great about Brighton Pride is that its such a welcoming event - it's not exclusive to gay people - you'll also see straight families and friends, young kids and grannies all having fun and celebrating the gay diversity in Brighton & Hove.

This year the theme is 'All around the World' so expect a lot of international influences including Brazil, Scotland, Iceland, Australia, Greece, Antarctica, Zimbabwe, Bangkok, Denmark and of course Britain.

The main Canival Parade starts at Madeira Drive next to Brighton Pier, setting off at 11.00am. With up to fifty different entries, representing countries and cities from all over the globe this year is set to be the most colourful and flamboyant yet! So why not come along?

Find out more about Brighton Pride.

It would be great to hear about anyone's Brighton Pride experiences?

Sarah
VisitBrighton