Brighton Pride makes changes to street party plans

The Village Party attracts thousands of people each year

Brighton & Hove Pride Village Party will not be held in St James's Street this year, it has been announced.

Thousands of ticketholders usually pack into St James's Street and the surrounding roads to watch outside DJs, performers and other live events over Pride weekend.

But this year, the St James's Street will remain open to vehicles and an "enhanced" party will instead he held in Marine Parade.

Brighton & Hove City Council said it made the decision because some residents raised concerns during a consultation around access, safety and locals feeling excluded.

"As a result, we have adapted this year's event, putting residents' needs at the forefront and supporting our local businesses," said Councillor Birgit Miller, cabinet member for culture, heritage and tourism at the council.

Venues are instead being invited to create "pop-up" bars in Marine Parade for this year's Pride, held on the first weekend in August.

The council said it would continue consultations with businesses in St James's Street in the coming months.

Plans for two weekends of acts at Pride in the Park have also been scaled back to just one weekend, as in previous years, after concerns from residents living near Preston Park.

A spokesperson for Brighton & Hove Pride said: "Pride remains committed to working closely with local LGBTQ+ venues to foster a safer, more inclusive space for the community to celebrate with friends and allies in the new location.

"Venues outside the new event footprint will be invited to participate and we are committed to supporting them in making this a thriving Pride weekend."