ONE of the biggest events of the LGBTQ+ calendar has announced the date of their 2022 event.
Brighton Bear Weekend will take place between Thursday, July 14, and Sunday, July 17, next year.
The annual event in Kemp Town is for bears - a slang term for gay men who are often heavy-set and hairy.
The four-day affair will begin with the Brighton Bear Weekend quiz, followed by the Mr Brighton Bear competition and a garden party.
This will be the 11th annual Brighton Bear Weekend.
In 2020, a series of virtual events were held due to Covid-19 lockdowns.
Chairman of the Brighton Bear Weekend organising committee Graham Munday said: “We’re thrilled that this year’s Brighton Bear Weekend was so successful, with the number of people attending events across the weekend exceeding our expectations.
“Needless to say, we’re excited to be back preparing an even bigger Brighton Bear Weekend for next year.”
Following the 2021 event, a total of £4,000 was raised for the Brighton Rainbow Fund.
Graham added: “We look forward to welcoming everyone to what we hope will be an even bigger Brighton Bear Weekend in 2022.
“Although aimed primarily at the bear, cub and otter community, and their friends of course, everyone supporting the community is welcome.
“The weekend always attracts lots of furry - and not so furry - men and their friends from around the world.”
At the event last year, a new Mr Brighton Bear was crowned after a “fierce but friendly battle” in Dorset Gardens.
Kevin J Thurlow-Criss, a medical research operations director from Woodingdean, was presented with his crown by incumbent Gavin Walker Bennett-Mason, from Shoreham.
A sash was also presented by Danielle Evans (Miss Brighton 2021).
The Brighton Bear Weekend Garden Party featured a range of performers to entertain the crowds, as well as a selection of stalls, exhibitors and food services provided by Lunch Positive and the Village Metropolitan Community Church.
The event is completely run on a volunteer basis.
To find out more on how to attend or volunteer at the Brighton Bear Weekend 2022, please visit the Brighton Bear Weekend website.
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