Brighton Pride organisers to charge £5 for street party entry

By Tatiana Aversa Sanchez

The Brighton Pride Village Party will be a ticketed and wristbanded event for the first time.

The aim is to make the street celebrations safer for visitors and the community – and better controlled.

The one-year trial will mean that the street party becomes an official event as part of of the Brighton Pride weekend.

The Brighton Pride Community Interest Company (CIC) will set out its plans at a public meeting tomorrow (Wednesday 28 May) at 7pm at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church.

The CIC’s plans are backed by Sussex Police and Brighton and Hove City Council.

Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, chairman of the Economic Development and Culture Committee and a councillor for Queen’s Park ward, which includes the St James’s Street area, said: “Over the years the Pride street party has become more and more problematic – especially for residents.

“Uncontrolled access and irresponsible attitudes to alcohol have turned what should be a celebration into something of a headache and, for some, a nightmare.

“The old format was unsustainable and has to change if the street party is to be transformed into a safe environment for partygoers, residents and local businesses.

“Everyone needs to get behind the new approach and fully support Pride CIC’s efforts to manage the street party effectively to return it to an enjoyable and unique event.

“I hope that this one-year trial proves to be a success. If there isn’t 100 per cent support, particularly from the business community, the whole of the Pride Festival weekend could be put in jeopardy.

“Without sounding too dramatic, the reputation of the city as a safe place to visit is at stake.”

The two-day event will take place from 6pm on Saturday 2 August, including entertainment after the Preston Park festival starting from 8pm and also on Sunday 3 August between 2pm and 8pm.

Wristbands will cost £5, with £1 going to the Rainbow Fund charity. The remainder will cover the significant infrastructure and security costs involved in sustaining the event.

Last year, an estimated 30,000 people gathered to for the celebrations along St James’s Street. The wristband system is expected to mean fewer people and less chaos this year.

Paul Kemp, of Brighton Pride CIC, said: “Traditionally the village party’s not been organised by Pride. However, after safety concerns that could ultimately have jeopardised the future of the village party and the entire Pride weekend, Pride has agreed to work in partnership with the city council and partners to reclaim the village party for our community and to help ensure we have a safer and controlled event for visitors to Pride and our community to enjoy.

“Brighton and Hove has one of the best Pride’s in the UK and not only do we want to be financially sustainable, but we also feel that we must have a Pride with purpose and raising even more funds to help our community groups must be a good thing.

“The new format has been carefully developed with the full support of the police, other blue light services and the city council.

“I am confident it will help deliver a safe and enjoyable event which also respects those who live in the area.

“Importantly though, the Village Street Party will have a fundraising purpose, something we can all be proud of.

“Reclaiming the event for the community and the safety of all those attending it is at the forefront of organiser’s minds, and while Pride recognises making an entry change may not be welcomed by some, we believe it is the only way the event can continue into a proud, safe and fundraising future.”

If the proposals are accepted, local residents and workers would receive free wristbands for the weekend.