Pride in Brighton (From The Argus)

Pride in Brighton

11:58pm Sunday 3rd August 2008

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It ended as it had started - with leaden skies above a rainbow city but the sunshine within was undimmed.

That much was evident by the beaming smiles as the Pride 2008 party culminated with its traditional street party on Sunday night. No one seemed bothered by the unseasonal dampness.

But Brighton can once again take considerable pride in the way it hosted Pride, running like clockwork.

James O'Connell, from Worthing, who was attending with his boyfriend, Jim said: "I was the very first Pride in 1992 and the event has evolved so far in that short time.

"People's attitudes have obviously evolved too and that has helped.

"It's no longer about being gay or straight. It's about coming here and having a damn good time."

The event kicked off on Saturday morning with the usual parade bringing the city to a standstill.

Official estimates put the number of those attending at slightly less than 150,000 - down on last year and perhaps a reflection of the weather.

But the streets were still packed, generating a superb atmosphere enjoyed by all ages. Toby Singer, 20, was among dozens dancing on the Legends Bar and Club float, one of dozens in the parade.

He said: "It is just a fantastic opportunity to come and camp it up with the whole world watching.

"It doesn't matter if you are gay, straight, a Martian or whatever. We're all here to have a good time and that's exactly what we1re going to do."

The area around the Clock Tower, where a small protest by Christians opposed to homosexuality was held, was well policed. But the parade otherwise passed off without trouble.

The parade wound its way from Madeira Drive to Preston Park, where Pride's main festival got under way.

For some it was a chance to have a few more beers while for others it was an opportunity to go on the funfair rides, dance in one of the festival tents or simply chat with friends on the grass.

On Sunday the party soon got going again in Kemp Town. The biggest group gathered outside the Bulldog pub.

And as the night drew in, the party continued.

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grumpyathove, Hove says...
9:55am Mon 4 Aug 08

Now I do not wish to put a spanner in the works but with all the inconvenience suffered when Pride brings the city to a standstill, not to mention all the crowds with inadequate preparations and inadequate security, it is time to ask the residents whether or not they want Brighton to host Pride. Estimates put the total of people attending Pride at 150,000. Now even if 50% of those were Brighton & Hove residents, there are still 70% of the local population who do not participate in the 'festivities'.

Pride has lost its original purpose and has now simply become an excuse for a party and having an enjoyable time – but at other people's inconvenience and expense? Apart from the businesses who cater for the gay/young crowds, who benefits from the Pride festival? Last week's Argus reported that businesses on the Parade route lost up to £5 million in trade, due to people avoiding the town on the day. The Pride organisers claim that Pride raises funds for charity. Well according to their accounts, after deduction of expenses and administration less than 2.6% of the total raised is available for charity. A Pride spokesman claimed that Pride results in all hotels in Brighton being full for the two weeks, and this brings in revenue for the town. Looking at the Pride calendar, apart from a few events that are unlikely to attract more than 100-200 people, all the festivities take place over the weekend, so how come Pride celebrators need to stay in the town for 2 weeks?

So I would simply like to ask the Council to hold a referendum and ask council tax payers if they want Pride to be an integral part of Brighton life. Let the majority decide its future, not a bunch of people who still believe we are living in the pre Stonewell days.