Shimmering, joyous and loud, Brighton & Hove Pride’s 35th anniversary closed in spectacular style as thousands flocked to Preston Park for Pride on the Park , international stars, pop legends and rising talent combined to remind everyone why this festival matters. Here’s what stole the show, who surprised us, and why the weekend felt so electric.

Essential Takeaways

  • Headline finale: Diana Ross closed the festival with a career-spanning set, multiple costume changes and singalong classics that had Preston Park on its feet.
  • Early energy: Pale Waves opened the Main Stage with upbeat indie-pop, drawing a big, enthusiastic crowd early in the day.
  • Pop power: Rising star Caity Baser and pop veterans like Melanie C and FIVE kept momentum high with crowd-pleasing hooks and nostalgic anthems.
  • Glam and club beats: Paris Hilton’s rare UK festival slot brought glitz and choreography, while the State of Us Dance Arena supplied non-stop DJ energy.
  • Inclusive programming: Cabaret, queer arts spaces and family areas meant the festival offered something for every Pride-goer, from reflective to raucous.

Diana Ross closed Pride on a high , timeless, theatrical and deeply celebratory

Diana Ross brought a cinematic grace to the finale, opening in an all-white ensemble and moving through hits that spanned her Supremes era to solo chart-toppers. The crowd responded to classics like I’m Coming Out and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough with an emotional roar, and the costume changes lent the set a Broadway-sized drama.

Organisers leaned into the moment, using backdrop visuals to thread her decades-long story into the show. For fans it felt like both a pop concert and a communal celebration; for the city it was a reminder that Pride is as much about history and visibility as it is about partying. If you’re planning to attend a big outdoor headline act, aim to arrive early for a good spot , the atmosphere is part of the performance.

Early acts set the tone , Pale Waves and Caity Baser brought different kinds of joy

Pale Waves opened the Main Stage with jangly, high-energy indie-pop that immediately drew a crowd, proving that a compelling opener can shape the whole day. Their melodic set had festivalgoers singing along and created a warm, instant buzz.

Caity Baser followed with playful, hooky pop and contagious stage banter that amplified the communal vibe. Her interactions with the audience made her set feel intimate despite the scale, a neat example of how rising artists can connect at big festivals. If you like variety, get to the Main Stage early , you’ll catch acts that surprise and stick with you.

Pop legends kept the party moving , Melanie C, Holly Johnson and FIVE

Melanie C mixed solo hits and stadium-ready energy, showing she still has the vocal power and stage presence to command thousands. The set balanced upbeat club-ready numbers with moments for the crowd to sing along.

Holly Johnson delivered nostalgia and emotional heft, a performance threaded with cultural significance for the LGBTQ+ community. Meanwhile, FIVE provided one of the weekend’s biggest singalongs, packing in humour and crowd interaction. These acts reminded everyone that Pride thrives on shared memories as much as new favourites.

Paris Hilton and the dance arenas gave Pride its glamour and late-night pulse

Paris Hilton’s appearance was a festival headline in its own right, bringing choreographed spectacle and celebrity glamour to Preston Park. Her visual-led set attracted a huge crowd and added a distinctly glossy, party-ready moment to the day.

At the same time, the State of Us Dance Arena kept people moving all day and into the evening with DJs like Armand Van Helden and HAAi. The split between pop performance and club programming is exactly what lets Brighton Pride feel both like a mainstream festival and a queer cultural hub. Pro tip: if you love dancing, check the arena timetable early and plan to hop between stages.

Beyond the Main Stage , community, cabaret and inclusive spaces mattered

Brighton & Hove Pride isn’t just about headline acts; the festival site buzzed with The Cocoa Butter Club, Legends Cabaret, Queer Town and family-friendly zones. These pockets of performance and politics give the weekend depth and offer quieter or more niche experiences away from the main crowds.

Organisers have leaned into that breadth in recent years, and it shows , everyone from club kids to families found something to love. If you’re attending next time, build in time to explore beyond the headline bill; some of the most memorable moments happen in smaller spaces.

It's a small change that can make every Pride moment richer and more inclusive.

Source Reference Map

Story idea inspired by: [1]

Sources by paragraph: