Amid all the flags, joy and unbridled hedonism, it was easy to forget that this year's Pride had a noticeably stronger park line-up than 2014, from the sharp nu-electro of Hercules and Love Affair to the enduring anthems of Human League.

Perhaps the only person not entirely thankful for the beaming sun was Tulisa, who was having a sweaty enough time of it in a tight catsuit before technical problems beset her performance.

"Are you feeling sexy?", she asked the main stage crowd in rhetorical tones, receiving an ebullient response before her monitors kicked back in.

Peter Tatchell, a tireless campaigner for LGBT rights, issued a fiercely emotive address against bigotry in all parts of the globe. But the loudest triumph was left for Fatboy Slim. Entertaining a packed and bouncing Wild Fruit tent, Brighton's best-known party animal was simultaneously a dorky, perma-grinning cheerleader and the man with his fingers on the dial of a relentlessly upbeat closing show.

A podium in the centre of the arena became a heaving island of ravers, variously entertained by half-naked adonises and female dancers holding enormous balls on the big screens. Praise You, for all its cheesiness, seemed tailor-made for this feelgood finale.

Five Stars