Bus services and traffic routes in Brighton and Hove will be curtailed to cope with Saturday's Pride celebrations.

The parade assembles on Madeira Drive, near the Palace Pier, at 11am before moving to Preston Park for the afternoon and early evening.

Brighton and Hove police said their aim was to ensure visitors and locals could still reach city centre shops and businesses on the day.

A spokeswoman said: "Buses will terminate short of the city centre or skirt around it. This will prevent them becoming stuck in traffic, disrupting the timetable."

There will be five temporary termini - at Palmeira Square, Brighton station, The Level, Preston Drove just north of Preston Park and Rock Gardens - and advisers will be on hand to help passengers.

The police spokeswoman said: "Passengers will then need to make their own way to the city centre."

The changes will be from 10.30am until 2pm. A full timetable is on www.buses.co.uk/bustimes/pride2005.htm A shuttle bus service is being provided by Metrobus between the Old Steine, near the fountain, and Preston Park, at Stanford Avenue, between 2pm and 9pm every 10-15 minutes.

There will be a £2 flat fare with 50 per cent going to Pride. There will also be a shuttle bus service operating along Western Road between Palmeira Square and Montpelier Road.

Preston Road along the west edge of Preston Park and northbound from Preston Circus will be closed to all traffic between noon and 9pm. Diversions will be signposted.

St James's Street will be closed to vehicles from 7pm on Saturday to 2am on Sunday, then again from 2pm to 8pm on Sunday.

Pride operations manager PJ Aldred said: "We are working in partnership with both Brighton and Hove City Council and Sussex Police to minimise any disruption."