Spot Brighton’s newest queer do: Brighton Dyke Pride takes over St Ann’s Well Gardens on Saturday 5 September 2026, free and proudly DIY , trans-inclusive, unsponsored, and packed with a dyke market, live music, queer line dancing, speakers, a dyke cabaret and an afterparty at Ironworks. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Essential Takeaways

  • Free and community-led: Entry is free; the event is run as a not-for-profit, DIY day created by and for dykes.
  • Trans-forward and inclusive: Trans people are centred; the event is explicitly trans-inclusive and welcomes trans men and transmasc attendees.
  • What’s on: A dyke market, DJs, drag kings, live bands, queer line dancing, workshops, a dyke cabaret and food stalls , performers work for tips.
  • Accessibility first: Step-free entrance, BSL stage interpretation, accessible toilet, quieter space and emotional support animal friendly.
  • Afterparty: Ironworks hosts a late-night afterparty (10pm–3am), wheelchair accessible with welfare support; low-cost tickets available.

Why Brighton needed a Dyke Pride , and why it feels urgent

Brighton has long been a landmark city for LGBTQIA+ life, but organisers say something tangible was missing: a grassroots dyke event that isn’t corporate or ticket-gated. The idea grew out of a successful Dyke Day earlier in the year, when the crowd size made a bigger, permanent event feel inevitable. There’s a sting behind the celebration too , in recent years lesbian spaces in Brighton have dwindled, and the co-founders describe this as a way to reclaim the room dykes once had. Expect the atmosphere to be loud, warm and deliberately political in the best way.

Who’s welcome , and who isn’t

The event defines “dyke” generously, welcoming trans dykes, cis dykes, dyke alumni, boydykes and allies alike. Co-organisers have made inclusion a headline: trans people are centred in programming and representation, and the day is explicitly anti-racist and anti-ableist. They’re also clear about boundaries , the listing states “No terfs. No cops,” reflecting a commitment to holding the space for marginalised attendees. In short: if you’re coming as an ally, come prepared to listen and support.

What to pack and how the day runs

St Ann’s Well Gardens will be full of stalls, music and workshops from 1pm to 8pm. Bring cash where you can , performers and traders often work for tips and small purchases help keep future events possible. Sensory-wise, the park will be lively but there’s a quieter chill-out area if you need it, and dogs are allowed (but keep them calm around the stage). Practical tip: use the step-free Somerhill Road entrance if mobility is a concern, and familiarise yourself with where the accessible toilet and BSL interpreter are stationed.

Getting there and the afterparty logistics

The gardens sit close to Hove station , roughly a ten-minute walk , and are a short ride from Brighton station along Western Road. The afterparty moves to Ironworks from 10pm to 3am with a modest ticket price (£4 standard, £9 if you add a £5 performer tip). Ironworks is wheelchair accessible throughout and offers a quieter space plus welfare handled by a queer, trauma-informed team. If ticket cost is a barrier, organisers will help with entry or carer tickets, so reach out ahead of time.

How you can support without spending a fortune

The organisers have been transparent about costs: initial crowdfunding targets cover essentials like insurance, toilets and BSL services, with higher tiers paying for stage, generator and performer expenses. If you can’t donate, bring cash to tip performers, buy from the dyke market, or volunteer a few hours on the day. The event’s survival depends on small, practical acts as much as any big sponsor , which, incidentally, they don’t want.

It's a small change that can make every community gathering feel safer and more joyful.

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