Businesses 'very excited' for Pride economy boost

Businesses in Brighton say they are "very excited" for Pride and the economic boost it will bring to the city.

Hospitality businesses in Brighton say Pride is an exciting time for them as celebrations this weekend are expected to bring in a multi-million pound boost to the local economy.

Hotels, bars and clubs in the city are expected to welcome around 300,000 people for Brighton Pride, including the community parade, street party and Pride on the Park, headlined by Mariah Carey.

Owners of bars and hotels in Kemp Town also say that the event will be important for them and is "all about the community" as their rooms and tables fill up for the weekend.

Brighton Pride begins with the community parade on Saturday before Pride on the Park and the Pride street party on Saturday and Sunday.

Herve Guyat, owner of the New Steine Hotel and Herve's Café in Kemp Town, said: "I have a lot of people who book for the following year as they check out."

He added: "It's very exciting – I opened just before Pride 25 years ago and it always falls around my birthday so I couldn't be happier."

Brighton Pride is expected to bring a boost of around £30m to the local economy across the weekend.

Two days of music in Preston Park, headlined by Carey and the Sugababes, will be paired with gigs and events across the city, in particular around Kemp Town and St James's Street.

Phil Sherrington, owner of Centre Stage bar in Marine Parade, said Pride is "all about the community" and is "really important" for the LGBTQ+ community.

He said: "In this day and age it is important we keep the message going that the community is here and strong."

The bar will host the community stage for the Pride Street Party, which is moving to the A259 from St James's Street this year.