Crowd-watchers and party-goers are already lining up for a glamorous start to Brighton Pride as The Ivy Asia Brighton stages a pre-Pride party , expect neon, live queer DJs, signature Asian-inspired cocktails and theatrical costume moments that set the tone for the weekend.

Essential Takeaways

  • When and where: The pre-Pride party kicks off at 8pm at The Ivy Asia Brighton on Ship Street, ahead of Brighton Pride weekend.
  • Welcome drink: Guests receive a complimentary Sarti Spritz on arrival, with special cocktail deals through the weekend.
  • Entertainment: A local queer line-up includes DJs and performers, plus Dykes on Decks bringing dancefloor energy.
  • Booking details: A £25 deposit per person is required, deducted from a minimum spend of £50 on food and drink.
  • Vibe: Expect theatrical costume changes and an opulent, Asian-inspired setting , think bold colours, lantern-lit glamour and upbeat music.

A glossy start to Pride , tickets, timings and first impressions

The Ivy Asia Brighton is pitching its pre-Pride night as a polished launchpad for the weekend, and it reads like a proper Brighton party with a touch of theatre. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary Sarti Spritz from 8pm, which is a nice, buzzy way to begin. According to venue listings and local guides, the restaurant’s central Ship Street site makes it easy to slip out into the wider Pride bustle afterwards. If you like your nights slick, stylish and served with a show, this is the kind of warm-up to prefer.

Who’s playing and why the line-up matters

The bill blends local queer talent with known queer collectives, including a Dykes on Decks set that’s likely to turn tables into a runway. Local promoters and event pages show Brighton’s Pride calendar is packed with grassroots DJs and performance crews this year, so a mixed line-up helps the Ivy feel plugged into the community rather than parachuted in. For festival-goers choosing where to spend their energy, this kind of programming signals a dancefloor that will actually feel celebratory and inclusive.

Food, drink and the small print , what to budget for

You’ll need to factor in a minimum spend of £50 per person, and a £25 deposit is taken at booking and later subtracted from the final bill. That’s standard for busy Pride events in premium venues, and Visit Brighton’s listings suggest plenty of other pre-party options if you want something cheaper. The Ivy’s menu is Asian-inspired and glossy , expect share plates, signature cocktails and a social dining rhythm that pairs well with people-watching and dressing up.

Costume cues and the evening’s theatrical edge

The evening promises dramatic costume changes inspired by The Ivy Asia’s opulent aesthetic, which is great news if you enjoy a bit of theatre with your cocktails. Brighton’s Pride has always been a space for flamboyance, and elements like costume reveals help make the night feel like a proper celebration rather than just dinner with a DJ. If you’re packing an outfit, think bold colours, textures and something easy to dance in.

Can’t make the Thursday night? Weekend cocktail offers and alternatives

If you miss the pre-Pride party, The Ivy Asia is running Pride cocktail deals across the weekend , £5 Sarti Spritzes and £8 Pride Margaritas , which makes it a tempting stop for a mid-afternoon pit-stop or late-night drinks. For alternatives, local listings and venues around Brighton host smaller-scale pre-parties and queer nights that are friendlier on the wallet and often very lively. Booking ahead remains wise: deposits and minimum spends are common across busier Pride venues.

It's a small change that can make every Pride night feel a bit more special.

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