Day: July 31, 2013

Sussex Police will once again be taking part in this years Pride Parade, on Saturday, August 3. This years parade entitled Gay Icons is the biggest in Brighton Pride’s history with over sixty floats and walking tableaux on the Parade.

Brighton and Hove divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp, said:

“It’s an honour to be a part of the biggest event in the city’s calendar which celebrates our LGBT community and showcases the city.

“I’m looking forward to joining colleagues from other Forces and partner agencies in the parade and hopefully get to say hello to some of the participants who help make it such a fun day by putting so much effort into their floats and costumes, or lack of them in some cases!  
 
“This year has an added bonus in that we will be streaming live from Pride for the conclusion of Sussex Police People: ten days live and I will be explaining to viewers the role of officers during Pride – so please tune in from 9am until 3pm at www.sussexpolicepeople.co.uk/Prideor follow us on twitter at sussex_police#tendayslive.
 
“Sussex Police has been working for months with the Pride organisers in order to make sure as many people as possible get to have an enjoyable but safe weekend. We will do what we can to help keep disruption to the local community to a minimum and ensure a visible presence by officers to reassure and keep people safe.

“Saturday is the main day of celebrations and sees a carnival parade with this year’s theme being gay icons. It will take place through the city centre in the morning followed by a ticketed event in Preston Park. In the evening a large number of people head into the city for the independently organised, Gay Village Party in St James’s Street and the street will be closed from 6pm to enable this event to take place.

“Sussex Police is experienced in policing large events like Pride and with the continued support of the organisers and close partnership work, Pride has usually resulted in minimum disruption to the city and an overwhelmingly safe and enjoyable event which is great for Brighton & Hove.

“It will be business as usual in the city centre – although we do expect some temporary disruption to traffic but will be working hard with Brighton & Hove City Council to keep the city moving and safe throughout the day.

“Officers will be on hand throughout the event, but to help keep people safe we encourage everyone to take care of their personal belongings, particularly wallets, mobile phones and handbags. We want people to enjoy themselves and look after those that they are with, particularly if they are drinking. We don’t want people to be a victim of crime during the festivities, as it’s a sure way to ruin it.  

“Also, don’t forget to visit the Sussex Police stand in Preston Park, manned by our LGBT officers. This year the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, will also be at the stand with some of our Specials – we will finish the live streaming from here – so please come and say hello.
 
“For up to date information throughout the day on how the parade is progressing, arrests or injuries, please follow us on twitter @sussex_police#Pride.

“Have yourself a great Pride.”

Sussex Police has issued the following warning to those who may be planning on organising unauthorised and illegal outdoor events in the city during Pride weekend.

“Although we recognise that people come to Brighton and Hove to have a great time at Pride, we have every intention of preventing any unlawful outdoor events which are likely to cause a nuisance to the surrounding communities, and this includes the beach. Anyone caught with unlicensed sound systems which are causing public safety concerns and disturbing local residents face being prosecuted. If you are aware of such activity taking place then please call us immediately. We owe it to our neighbourhoods to do all we can to ensure everyone has an enjoyable weekend.”

For everything you need to know about Brighton Pride including travel CLICK HERE: