BRIGHTON Pride returned and the streets glowed with colour as thousands came out to celebrate.

Along the parade route that began its march on Hove Lawns, the crowds cheered as buses drove past blaring out all kinds of feel-good music from ABBA to Jess Glynne and Fatboy Slim.

People from across the country joined Brightonians to celebrate the UK’s biggest gay celebration.

Jerry Reagan, 40, an occupational therapist from Hove, said: “This is my second pride event, I was up in London last month.

“I think Brighton is the best because I’m local so I can just walk here, I just love coming here to see all the floats and go and see the street parties

“I like how Brighton Pride is for everyone, you can go gay for the day, it doesn’t matter what your own sexuality is.”

Kim and Kat Ashford from Somerset attended this year’s Brighton Pride for the third time.

Kim, 32, said: “We only ever go to Brighton Pride. It’s the atmosphere that’s so great and we always meet really friendly people here and we love the parades.”

Kat, 30, added: “We couldn’t get tickets for Britney Spears but we’re doing the street party and we’re just going to chill out and see where the afternoon takes us.”

They joined thousands who embraced the sweltering hot summer’s day to celebrate Brighton’s greatest event.

Kayleigh Marsh, 30, a medical sales representative, from Kent, said: “This is my first time at Brighton Pride and I’ve never been to any other pride event before. I’ve been loving it and I was really looking forward to the whole thing.”

She celebrated the event with her friend Chris Millard, 31, a freelance artist from Osbourne Villas, Brighton.

He said: “I’ve been to London pride before and I’ve been to Brighton pride a few times. I think Brighton is the best because it’s just a good atmosphere I always think, there’s a good vibe and it feels like it’s growing every year.”

Word has spread about Brighton Pride over the years, attracting all kinds of people and it is causing some to fear that the event is losing touch with its message of hope and acceptance for the gay community.

Chris added: “I understand the origins of it and I think we have to respect that. But also I think that times are changing and acceptance is growing so it is nice that’s it’s less of a statement and it’s becoming more of a celebration.”