THE POWER OF LOVE: BRIGHTON PRIDE RETURNS FOR ITS LANDMARK 35TH YEAR

As Brighton & Hove Pride celebrates its 35th anniversary, this year's Power of Love theme brings together world-class artists, community voices and a reminder that Pride remains as vital as ever.

Thirty-five years on, Brighton & Hove Pride has become far more than a date in the summer calendar. It is one of the UK's biggest celebrations of LGBTQIA+ life, bringing together thousands of people for a weekend of music, community and activism. While this year's line-up is one of its most star-studded yet, the event's greatest strength has always been the people who make it what it is.

Returning on the 1st and 2nd of August under this year's theme, The Power of Love, Brighton Pride celebrates its 35th anniversary with a programme that reflects everything Pride has grown to represent. It's a space where celebration and protest exist side by side, where visibility remains powerful, and where queer joy continues to be both personal and political.

The weekend begins, as always, with the annual LGBTQIA+ Community Parade. More than 125 community groups will make their way from Hove Lawns through the city in a vibrant display of solidarity, creativity and resilience. Long before the festival stages come alive, the parade reminds us why Pride exists in the first place. It is a celebration of identity, but also a demonstration of unity, visibility and the ongoing fight for equality.

Of course, the soundtrack to this year's celebrations is just as impressive. Pride on the Park welcomes an extraordinary line-up across the weekend, with global superstar Diana Ross and BRIT Award-winning artist RAYE leading the bill. They'll be joined by Jessie J, Leigh-Anne, Melanie C, Self Esteem and Holly Johnson, while RuPaul and Paris Hilton take centre stage in this year's Icons slot, adding even more star power to an already unforgettable weekend.

Away from the Main Stage, the ever-popular Dance Arena once again promises to be one of the festival's biggest draws. Purple Disco Machine headlines Saturday with his signature blend of disco and house, while Armand Van Helden closes Sunday with a catalogue of dance-floor classics. They'll be joined by an exciting mix of electronic artists including The Blessed Madonna, HAAi, Daniel Avery, Girls Don't Sync and I Jordan, ensuring the party continues long after the sun goes down.

Yet Brighton Pride has never been defined solely by its headline acts. Part of what makes the weekend so special is its commitment to celebrating the breadth of queer creativity in all its forms. Across the park, visitors can explore an eclectic mix of stages and immersive spaces, from the legendary cabaret performances of Legends Cabaret and the boundary-pushing artistry of The Cocoa Butter Club to Queer Town, Party Bag and brand-new additions including Bears in the Woods, Queer Soap Box and Outro. Family-friendly spaces ensure the weekend remains welcoming to all generations, creating an atmosphere that feels as inclusive as it is celebratory.

The celebrations continue beyond the park in Kemptown, where the much-loved Street Party transforms Marine Parade into one of Brighton's biggest outdoor celebrations. Featuring appearances from Gok Wan, Bimini, Freemasons, Bailey J Mills, Woody Cook and many more, the event shines a spotlight on the city's vibrant queer venues, performers and nightlife, extending Pride's spirit well beyond the festival gates. Bimini's appearance at this year's Brighton Pride feels especially fitting following their appearance as the cover star of F Word's LAYERED print issue, where they spoke about identity, activism and embracing every layer of who we are. 

Thirty-five years after Brighton Pride first began, its significance extends far beyond the entertainment it offers. At a time when LGBTQIA+ communities continue to face challenges around the world, spaces that champion visibility, acceptance and belonging remain as important as ever. Brighton Pride's enduring success lies not only in attracting world-renowned artists, but in creating a weekend where community is placed centre stage.

The line-up may bring people to Brighton, but it's the spirit of Pride that keeps them coming back. Brighton & Hove Pride takes place on 1-2 August 2026. Find out more and purchase tickets here: https://prideonthepark.co.uk/tickets/