Shoppers, friends and queer neighbours are already marking their diaries for Brighton Dyke Pride on Saturday 5 September at St Ann’s Well Gardens in Hove , a free, community‑owned, trans‑inclusive festival that aims to be grassroots, accessible and proudly free from corporate sponsorship.

Essential Takeaways

  • Free and community‑run: Brighton Dyke Pride is a no‑cost event organised by volunteers, with no corporate sponsorship and a DIY spirit.
  • Trans‑inclusive by design: Organisers emphasise that the celebration is fully welcoming to trans dykes and centred on trans leadership.
  • Family of activities: Expect a market, DJs, live music, queer line dancing, cabaret and talks , all with a local, artsy vibe.
  • Accessible and cross‑generational: The event aims to be physically accessible and friendly to different ages and identities, with no identity policing.
  • Support options: You can donate or contribute via the event’s Crowdfunder page to help it become an annual fixture.

A joyful, grassroots answer to corporate Pride

Brighton Dyke Pride opens with a simple, sensory promise: warm sun on the grass, the hum of DJs, and stalls where you can browse local makers. The festival was born out of this year’s Dyke Day , a small but spirited gathering on Lesbian Visibility Day , and the organisers say they wanted something that felt rooted in the community rather than driven by big sponsors. That DIY ethos means performers and stalls are curated by local dyke artists and collectives, so the atmosphere should feel intimate and exuberant rather than polished and corporate.

Why this matters now , trans inclusion at the centre

Organisers emphasise that this pride is explicitly trans‑inclusive and led by trans people, a response to spaces that can sometimes feel excluding or commercialised. According to co‑founders, the goal is to create a place where trans dykes and cis dykes alike can enjoy culture, politics and friendship without identity policing. It’s part of a wider push across the UK queer scene for events that combine celebration with safety and representation.

What to expect: music, market stalls and proper queer cabaret

If you like variety, this one’s for you. The day will feature Brighton Dyke Mart , a market showcasing local makers , alongside DJs, live acts, queer line dancing and a cabaret. For anyone who enjoys discovering new artists, this is the sort of event where you’ll stumble on something brilliant next to a stall selling zines or handmade badges. Practical tip: bring a reusable water bottle and comfy shoes, and arrive early if you want the best browse.

Accessibility and practical nuts‑and‑bolts

Accessibility is flagged as a priority: the site at St Ann’s Well Gardens is easier to navigate than many city locations, and the organisers are clear they want the event to be cross‑generational and physically accessible. If you have specific needs, check the event listing on Outsavvy or the Crowdfunder page for updates, and reach out to volunteers ahead of time , small events like this are often happy to accommodate where they can.

How to support and why donations matter

Although entry is free, donations help keep the event running and can turn a one‑off into an annual celebration. The group has a Crowdfunder page where people can chip in; contributions fund stages, PA, accessibility measures and artist fees. Supporting a grassroots festival like this is a direct way to back queer culture that prioritises community over profit.

It's a small change with a big heart , a day where dykes can take up space, celebrate creatively, and keep control of their own culture.

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