Why Mariah Carey is such a big deal for Pride

Mariah Carey had been due to perform at Brighton Pride in 2020

Summer 2025 has seen an Oasis homecoming in Manchester, Black Sabbath's farewell concert in Birmingham and now international superstar Mariah Carey set to perform in Brighton.

The five-times Grammy winner, who has sold more than 220 million albums worldwide, performs in Preston Park in the city on Saturday night as the headline act at Brighton & Hove Pride.

Boarding a private jet on Wednesday, Carey posted on TikTok: "Nothing beats going to Brighton Pride."

But what has brought the All I Want for Christmas is You singer to Brighton and what boost could she give the city?

The simple answer is that Mariah Carey is fulfilling a promise made to fans and Pride's organisers in 2020.

She had been booked to headline that year, but Covid-19 kicked in and the event was cancelled, leaving many "gutted".

Five years on she's finally coming to the East Sussex seaside city, promoting her forthcoming 16th studio album Here For It All.

Brighton is one of only a handful of venues worldwide where Carey has announced concerts in 2025.

Its Pride is one of the largest events of its kind in Europe.

Paul Kemp, Brighton & Hove Pride managing director, told BBC Radio Sussex: "Mariah is on her way and is really excited.

"This really puts our city on the map.

"Brighton and Hove as an events city really punches above its weight."

Mr Kemp went on to tease fans: "I've heard there might be a surprise - a legendary moment.

"But I can't say any more.

"She is still relevant, she's still a diva and I just can't wait."

All I Want For Christmas Is You has now spent 124 weeks in the UK singles chart

Carey joins the ranks of divas who have played at Brighton Pride in recent years in front of tens of thousands of fans, including Britney Spears and Kylie.

The 56-year-old has been a long-standing supporter of the LGBT+ community and played Los Angeles Pride in 2023.

Since her career began in the late 1980s, she has had three UK number one singles and two UK number one albums.

Birgit Miller, the councillor responsible for tourism at Brighton & Hove City Council, said Carey's appearance was a "big deal".

She said: "Pride is a huge event for the city and brings in a benefit of around £30m to Brighton's economy.

"That is really important for our hospitality and tourism.

"I am so looking forward to Mariah."