Shoppers, locals and visitors turned Brighton into a rainbow pageant as Brighton Pride’s 35th anniversary kicked off with a parade through the city and a star-studded day in Preston Park, where Raye, RuPaul and Leigh-Anne delivered headline-making sets , and why this weekend still matters to the community.

Essential takeaways

  • Mass participation: Hundreds of community groups, charities and emergency-services teams joined the parade, creating a vibrant, noisy procession cheered by thousands.
  • Show-stopping sets: Raye closed Saturday with a 90-minute hit-packed performance; RuPaul served high camp with a 50-minute DJ spot; Leigh-Anne teased a Little Mix reunion while performing.
  • Safe planning: Local council messaging encouraged visitors to plan ahead and follow safety guidance across the weekend.
  • Encore-ready Sunday: Brighton’s weekend continues with big-name acts including Diana Ross, Paris Hilton and Holly Johnson on the main stage.
  • Community first: Organisers and performers repeatedly framed Pride as a celebration and a protest, centring activism as well as entertainment.

A parade that was equal parts party and protest

The opening parade rolled through Brighton’s landmarks with a colourful, loud momentum and a distinctly communal feel. Floats and banners pushed down the seafront and city centre, with local NHS teams, voluntary groups and grassroots activists walking shoulder to shoulder. Organisers have long said Pride blends celebration with political pressure, and this year the march felt proudly purposeful as well as joyful. If you’re picturing flags, chants and handmade placards, you’re on the right track , the parade is as much about visibility as it is about spectacle.

RuPaul’s DJ set: camp, confident and unmissable

RuPaul swapped the TV stage for a DJ booth and gave Brighton a lesson in theatrical cool. The multi-decade star filled the park with classic diva energy and runway poses, reminding everyone why drag culture is central to modern Pride. It was theatrical, glossy and a little tongue-in-cheek , exactly what fans wanted. For anyone choosing which arena to prioritise next year, the lesson is clear: set times can hide surprise, so map the slots you can’t miss.

Leigh-Anne’s sparkly tease and pop nostalgia

Leigh-Anne brought pop polish to the main stage, performing recent hits with big production moments , and cheekily pumping the rumour mill about a Little Mix reunion. Her set felt personal and celebratory, a reminder that solo projects can still honour a band’s legacy. If you’re balancing children, travel and timing, aim for earlier sets from crowd favourites to avoid the late-night rush and catch those headline moments.

Raye closed the night with emotion and showmanship

Raye’s headline slot was a masterclass in connection: a near-two-hour run through her catalogue, costume drama and a stirring Prince cover that landed emotionally with the crowd. Performers at Pride often speak about the community’s importance to their careers, and Raye’s set underlined that bond. For first-timers, her show was a good example of how headline acts can both entertain and acknowledge the audience that sustained them.

Practical tips for enjoying Pride in Preston Park

Plan transport in advance , crowds and road closures are part of the weekend’s DNA. Brighton & Hove City Council advised attendees to check travel updates and safety guidance ahead of arrival. Bring weather-ready layers (the park gets hot in afternoon sunshine and chilly after dark), a portable phone battery, and a meeting point if you’re with a group. For quieter moments, seek out community tents and charity stalls; they’re where you’ll find local campaigns, resources and a less frantic vibe.

Closing line It’s a big, bright, defiant weekend , and small choices, like planning your arrival or picking the right stage, can make the whole experience smoother.

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