Brighton Pride could expand to two weekends, organisers say

Brighton Pride has plans to expand festivities over two consecutive weekends

Brighton Pride could be expanded to run over a longer period of time in the future, its organisers have said.

From 2025, the hope was to develop events over two weekends, the last in July and the first in August, according to a report to councillors.

Organisers hoped to spread costs by hosting stand-alone events in Preston Park over the first weekend which would not officially be part of the festival.

The changes would be subject to council approval and a public consultation.

Brighton Pride, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022, is one of the largest events of its kind in the UK.

Brighton Pride is one of the largest events of its kind in the UK

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the report to councillors said that previously, the event held over a single weekend had brought £20m into the local economy from visitors.

It had also contributed more than £1.2m to charities and community groups.

The report stated: "The additional weekend, managed by Brighton Pride as a mechanism to reduce financial risk, will not be part of the city Pride celebrations and will be independently branded and promoted.

"It will create an income for Pride to support their longer-term sustainability."

The proposal included leaving the tents and infrastructure from the opening weekend in place for the second weekend, including the day of the annual Pride parade, according to the report.

Brighton Pride organisers said they also planned to explore a programme of mid-week community activities for children and young people, such as circus skills workshops and children's shows.

A decision is due to be taken at a special council meeting on Friday.

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