With trains cancelled to and from Brighton for part of Pride weekend, many festivalgoers are frantically searching for alternative forms of transport to enjoy the celebrations.
The Argus has compiled four options for those considering how to get to the city next Saturday.
Why are the trains to and from Brighton cancelled?
Trains south of Three Bridges along the Brighton mainline are cancelled all day on Saturday, August 5.
Services along the south coast to and from Brighton will also be cancelled, including routes from Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, Seaford, Eastbourne, Southampton, Portsmouth and Ashford International.
While this will affect those hoping to attend the city’s Pride parade and headline performances from Black Eyed Peas, Zara Larsson and Jax Jones in Preston Park next Saturday, those hoping to catch Steps, Melanie C and B*Witched on Sunday are unaffected.
Option 1 - Get a coach to Brighton
While train services will be suspended on Saturday, coaches will still be operating.
National Express has urged visitors to Brighton Pride to book as soon as possible to ensure they can get to the event and has reported a 27 per cent increase in bookings for travel to Brighton over Pride weekend so far.
A spokeswoman for National Express said: “Customers are advised to keep checking our website for the latest availability and to book as soon as possible to guarantee a seat.
“We also ask that customers plan in advance and allow additional time for travel to allow for any unexpected delays on the road network and be patient with our staff.”
If you do take this option, be aware road closures in the city for the community parade may affect where you can be dropped off, so make sure to check before you travel.
Option 2 - Get on a bus to Brighton
Brighton and Hove Buses will be operating services over Pride weekend, albeit with some diversions or suspensions due to road closures.
The company will also be running a special 500 and 600 shuttle service from the Old Steine to Preston Park and the Waterhall Campsite.
Stagecoach also will be operating services, including their 700 route along the south coast, but advise customers to check the status of the service they hope to travel on via their website or on Twitter.
Option 3 - Drive to Brighton
For those who are able, driving to the city for Pride weekend is a possibility - although one we would not recommend.
Many road closures will be in place due to the Pride parade on Saturday and other festivities around the city, and those travelling by car will likely face issues with parking.
There is no free parking in the city and Brighton and Hove has taken its pay and display machines out of service. To pay for parking, motorists will need to use the PaybyPhone app, call 0330 400 7275 or visit a PayPoint vendor - a list of shops can be found on PayPoint’s website.
If driving is the only viable option, make sure you do research before you travel so you are not caught out with a lack of parking spaces or hit with fines.
Option 4 - Travel a day earlier
While it might not be possible for everyone, travelling to Brighton a day earlier could help prevent a lot of stress about travel. Train services will be operating with a reduced timetable next Friday, with trains expected to be busier than usual - especially in peak hours.
If you do decide to do this, allow extra time for your journey in case you are not able to board your chosen service.
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