MEN in uniform will kick off this year’s Brighton Pride with a spectacular parachute display.

The Tigers display team, from the Princess of Wales Regiment, will appear from the skies to deliver the Pride rainbow flag to the head of the parade.

Corporal Millerick, team leader of The Tigers, is expected to land in Hove Lawns with his colleagues at around 11am for the start of the weekend’s celebrations.

He said: “The event is a big moment for us, especially as one of our members is from the LGBT community.”

He praised those from the LGBT community who work in the military. Especially the Army where there can be peer pressure in a male environment.

Pride managing director Paul Kemp said: “We’re really excited, it really shows how far the military has come with supporting their LGBT members.

He said that having the Pride flag come in from the sky was a symbolic and positive message of support in challenging times.

Asked about the importance of the military participating in the event ,Corporal Millerick said: “Across the board it shows that the military is accepting of people in the LGBT community.

“It’s the first time we have jumped into a civilian crowd. It is really exciting. We are really looking forward to it.”

The Tigers have performed in many countries over the years including in Germany, Kosovo and Cyprus.

Most recently they performed at the birthday ceremony for the Queen of Denmark.

Corporal Millerick said each member of the team goes through rigorous training and will have performed close to 300 jumps before being they are cleared to take part in such an event.

Mr Kemp added: “It’s going to add even more excitement and anticipation to what is shaping up to be one of the biggest and best parades Brighton has seen.”

The team will be coming over from Germany where they are based.

More recently this year they have been in the USA training.

The team was formed in 1986 at Basingstoke Army Barracks and the Queen’s Division Headquarters.

Brighton Pride will be held from August 4 to 6.

The weekend will kick off with the parade which will make its way to Preston Park.

The Pet Shops Boys will be the main attraction in the park along with Years and Years and Becky Hill.

The Pride Pleasure Gardens will also return following a successful debut last year.

Victoria Gardens will see DJs bars and live bands.

It will also host the official Pride warm up party with pop band S Club.

Fore more details, full listings and to book your tickets for the weekend visit brighton-pride.org.