AFTER the Pride Parade ended at Preston Park a crowd of more than 50,000 gathered for Britney Spears’ sell-out performance, writes AIDAN BARLOW.

There were several other tents that included dance music, urban music, and cabaret performances by Brighton’s drag queen acts.

Pals Maria Merricks, Fred Paine, and Ali Walker all grew up in Brighton and have attended Pride events for many years. They returned to the city for this year’s event too.

Maria said: “Having Britney here was the best thing ever. It was sold out for the first time in a few years, and it was really busy.

“It was so good, because she chose to come to Brighton, not London, which says a lot about Brighton as a capital for gay pride.”

Jemma Weston and Mel Love were among a group attending from Eastbourne. They went to Brighton Pride last year, and said they were particularly excited to see Pixie Lott (left and far right) this year.

Jemma said: “The atmosphere was lovely, there was no animosity, everyone just loves everyone.”

Mel said: “Last year we saw the Pet Shop Boys and that was amazing, and this year has been lovely.”

Britney Spears also drew crowds from further afield, Jack Bradley and pal Charlotte Wakefield journeyed from Bedfordshire and Kent to attend.

Charlotte said she was with Jack to enjoy Britney Spears, and said: “I’m sure that is the most popular answer.”

The two have been to other Pride events in London, but Jack said: “It’s the first time I’ve been to Brighton Pride. It was iconic to have Britney Spears, a real landmark.

“It was really good especially because she has such a big gay following, it’s lovely that she is acknowledging that.

“Pride is so important because while we have got gay rights, and it’s more about fun than protesting, we still acknowledge what the community has done.”

Jo Hardy, Britney Wilson, and Rob Hill travelled from Norwich to enter Preston Park. Rob said: “It’s the best Pride in the UK, when Britney was announced, it was a beautiful bonus really.”

Meanwhile Brian Murray travelled from Kent with pal Martin da Silva from Buenos Aires in Argentina.

Martin said: “It was my first ever Pride, it was incredible.”