Brighton Pride is considered to be the more family friendly and relaxed of England’s two largest pride events (the other, of course, being London). Brighton has a reputation for being less scene-orientated and commercialised, and, perhaps due to its seaside location, better to take children to. Brighton also plays host to a number of pride events aside from the August bonanza, including National Student Pride in March, which is part of Winter Pride.

The main events are the carnival parade and the events in Preston Park, just 10 minutes by car from the famous seafront. The parade this year is due to start at Madeira Drive, next to the classic pleasure pier, at 11am, and ends at Preston Park. The parade includes dancing, costumes and all manner of music, much like Pride London, but the additional pleasures of a stiff sea breeze (an actual sea breeze, although its alcoholic namesake is also widely available).

Entry to Preston Park at the end of the parade is free, apart from the Pride Members area, for which an entry fee of £25 is charged. Inside the park there are trade stalls, a funfair, a community village, food stalls, bars, music tents and cabaret acts; try to imagine a huge summer fete with a big budget and a gay twist, and you’ll be about right.

As well as the main parade and park events, bars all over Brighton will be celebrating pride. A meander along the seafront will present you with a variety of options; there are of the course the obvious choices such as the Candy Bar for scene queen lesbians, or Revenge for gays on a budget, but don’t forget to look into the smaller venues for great live music and entertainment and all night fun.