Lead Pic: Girls Aloud. James Daly Photography
Brighton & Hove Pride 2024 kicked off in style on Saturday, August 3 with spectacular performances throughout the day on the FABULOSO stage.
Kickstarting the day was the annual Pride parade, departing Hove Lawns at 11am and streaming colourfully and vibrantly through the city, calling at iconic Brighton landmarks such as the West Pier and Royal Pavilion. Leading the Parade were a group of community representatives including Lady Phyll and UK Black Pride, and veteran activist Ted Brown of the Gay Liberation Front.
With this year’s theme of ‘JOY’, hundreds of thousands of fabulous folks lined the streets to show their support, solidarity and allyship and celebrate the glittering parade. The Pride parade showcases hundreds of charities, community groups and small businesses, the emergency services, the NHS and representatives of other Pride organisations, and is a time for the community and allies to come together to protest, party and paint the city rainbow.
Over in Preston Park at FABULOSO, the official Pride community fundraiser, Beth McCarthy rocked the crowd with future LGBTQ+ anthems, whilst RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World S2 winner Tia Kofi got the crowd hyped with a flurry of sassy pop-bops. House Gospel Choir brought their infectious high energy, and kitchen disco queen Sophie Ellis Bextor sprinkled magic all over Preston Park and serenaded the Saturday crowd with hits such as Take Me Home, Music Gets The Best of Me and the viral hit that refuses to surrender, Murder on The Dancefloor.
The legendary Billy Porter aka The Black Mona Lisa was picture perfect as he arrived with a thrilling and theatrical performance taking the crowd on a musical journey, showcasing tracks from his latest album, while also celebrating his ’90s R&B roots and award-winning turns on Broadway.
The almighty Girls Aloud were Saturday night headliners, leaving Pride-goers in awe with their exclusive and show stopping performance to close the evening. A new stage, new outfits and some serious hairography – the show was full of surprises, including a Material Girl cover, a performance of deep cutWatch Me Go, which the band haven’t performed since their first arena tour in 2005 and a surprise guest appearance from Olly Alexander, who joined the girls in a performance of fan-favourite The Loving Kind and Years & Years’ hit King.
Flaming cannons, pyrotechnics and so much confetti – The Girls Aloud Show was an unforgettable extravaganza filled with laughter, love and beautiful moments dedicated to band member, the late and great Sarah Harding.
The Gaydio Dance Tent was graced by DJ royalty, housing electric sets from the wonderful Fat Tony, DJ Paulette, Horse Meat Disco, Prok & Fitch amongst others. The hirsute and muscled BEEFMINCE tent saw performances from Paul Heron and Massimo Paramour, whilst the Queertown stage returned in all its splendour with special guests Lorraine Bowan, Ginny Lemon and more.
The family area was hosted by the amazing Magic Mister Steve, proving there truly is a place for everyone at Brighton Pride. The Legends Presents Miss Jason Cabaret Stage put on a fantastic show and with an even more beautiful tribute to the lost legend. The buzzy Diva tent saw appearances from Stephani B, UOKHUN and Jenn Getz & Alfie, whilst the Sheila McWattie women’s performance stage championed incredible talent including Sekinue, Liz Ikamba and Aneesa Chaudhry.
IN PICTURES
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