BRIGHTON Pride still stands head and shoulders above the rest and epitomises the city’s tolerance and unique style.

In a milestone year which marks 50 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK, the annual Pride parade seemed more diverse than ever.

Thousands flooded the city streets, with barely any breathing space from Hove Lawns all the way to Preston Park.

For 70-year-old Derek Jeeves, a gay man from Lewes, Brighton Pride is a place where people of any background can truly express themselves.

A man who lived his teenaged years suppressed by the illegality of his sexuality, Derek feels Brighton’s showpiece is extra special.

He said: “I was there 50 years ago when you had to be looking over your shoulder for being gay. I know someone who went to prison for being gay.

“I’ve been to London Pride, but Brighton is much better. There isn’t one like it.

“Anyone dresses up and it’s fine – it relaxes people. That’s why it’s so much fun.”

People came from all over the country to celebrate equality and diversity and the sun held out – for the most part – so they could enjoy the parade’s wacky and wonderful entertainment.

Residents peered from their windows to get bird’s eye views of the bands, businesses and energetic marchers who provided a colourful spectacle for the city.

Paul Harrison, from Eastbourne, had a family day out with his wife and two children, all experiencing their first Brighton Pride.

Paul, 41, said: “For me, it’s the diversity which is the most important thing. In this day and age, you can’t get enough of that.

“I thought it would be great for the kids to come along and they love it. The noise and sparkle is brilliant.

“Nothing can compare to Brighton Pride. It is something for the people of the city to be incredibly proud of.”

Onlookers revelled in watching Daniel Wakeford, a hit on Channel 4 show The Undateables, leading chants from an open-top bus during the parade.

Among parade marchers was Sussex Police Chief Constable Giles York, who was proud to be part of the biggest event Brighton has to offer.

He said: “Pride is so important to my staff and the community of Brighton, and it is a privilege and a pleasure to join in the parade again this year.”

Not even a short spell of heavy rain dulled the spirit that lifted Brighton on Saturday, with people chanting in unison to classics blaring from colourful floats including Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now and YMCA by the Village People.

Carol Damario, who lives in St George’s Road, Brighton, was watching with her daughters and a friend and said this year’s Pride was the biggest she had ever seen

Carol, 54, said: “I love the atmosphere – everyone comes together and has a good time.

“It gives everyone the chance to be accepted for who they are and it is amazing.”

She has been celebrating Pride for the past seven years and said: “I think this year has been the busiest and the best so far.”

The festival had everything you would expect from our quirky city, from glittery beards and tight, bright clothing that left little to the imagination to wheelchair-bound 94-year-old George Montague parading with a placard saying “I’m the oldest gay in the village”.

With some 300,000 the expected turnout for this year, Brighton Pride gave people a platform to show their support for the LGBT communities and others which are sometimes considered social minorities.

Jennifer Lebbern and her husband Jay came from Southampton on a coach trip, but joined in with the partying for a touching personal reason.

Jennifer, 71, said: “Our grandson is transgender.

“He is 30, but only recently came out to us and had been living with it since his teenage years.

“He didn’t know how we would react to it so that is part of the reason why we are celebrating.

“It’s lovely to see everyone so happy here. We’ve not been to anything like this before.”

People young and old joined in to show their support in an event that unites the city every year.

As Brighton Pride’s managing director Paul Kemp told The Argus, the festival is renowned both nationally and internationally, which was clear this weekend.

Tom McFarlane, from Edinburgh, makes the trip south every year to champion his sexuality.

The 51-year-old said: “What’s so incredible is the feeling of being in the majority for a change.

“I come here every year to celebrate. It’s got everything going on – everyone gets really involved.

“The view is part of what makes it great, being by the sea is nice. The park party is great, but this parade is better. There are people with their kids and everyone is really happy.”

People getting their most glamorous outfits on was not quite enough – some even dressed their dogs in sparkly numbers to add even more colour to the party.

It was a glittering, sparkling rainbow celebration that proved once again the importance of Brighton Pride for the LGBT community – and everyone else.