BRIGHTON Pride organisers said this year’s event was the best attended since records began.

Estimates from the police and council said almost 400,000 people took part in the celebrations over the weekend, whether lining the streets for the parade or enjoying DJs and live music at the Preston Park festival and Village Party.

More than 300,000 revellers observed or participated in the Pride Community Parade while 90,000 packed into Preston Park or visited the street party in Kemp Town.

It is thought around 100,000 people travelled through Brighton station to join in the celebrations.

Brighton Pride director Paul Kemp said there had been a “significant increase” in visitors from previous years.

Mr Kemp said: “A huge thank you to everyone who came to Brighton Pride this year.

“With the Pride Community Parade, Pride Festival on Preston Park, Pride Village Party and two Pride Pleasure Gardens sites, the city had an amazing carnival atmosphere for the whole weekend.

“The sun shone, the skies were blue and the faces happy as we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality, whilst recognising that not all countries are as lucky as us.

“Police estimate the crowds watching and participating in the free Pride Community Parade at 300,000 making it our busiest year yet, and over 100,000 people attending Pride ticketed events.

“Considering the significant increase in visitors, report of arrests were down too.”

Mr Kemp also thanked the various bodies responsible for ensuring Pride passed off smoothly.

He said: “Pride could not happen without our statutory partners at South East Coast Ambulance, East Sussex Fire and Rescue and St John Ambulance.

“Many of these people have worked extra-long or double shifts to keep us safe.”

The #SayNoToHateCrime campaign formed a central part of Pride 2017, with a group of placard bearers leading the parade and a one minute silence being held across all Pride sites to remember victims of hate crimes across the world.

The parade kicked off with the arrival of a rainbow flag delivered by the Princess of Wales’ Parachute Regiment The Tigers.

More than 100 community groups, charities, dance troupes and corporate partners followed the route along the seafront, through the centre of the city and up to Preston Park where the Festival was held.

Police made 27 arrests across the weekend for suspected offences including possession of drugs, assault, drunk and disorderly and public disorder.