Brighton Pride theme for 2021 revealed to celebrate NHS

The festival is set to return in style next year with revellers urged to support the Over The Rainbow theme.

This will celebrate the work of NHS staff and key workers, as well as LGBT organisations.

The annual event usually attracts tens of thousands of people to Brighton and Hove and the city’s streets are filled with huge crowds.

Global singing stars including Mariah Carey and the Pussycat Dolls were set to play in Preston Park this year for the 30th anniversary of the event.

Party-goers were encouraged to follow the theme of Fabuloso.

But they were left devastated when the celebrations were put on hold because of the coronavirus crisis.

Pride was just one of many major events across the globe to be halted by the pandemic.

Now, organisers are planning a 2021 event which will applaud the efforts of healthcare staff and key workers during the UK-wide lockdown.

A Pride spokeswoman said: “On Saturday, August 7, 2021, the parade will highlight the terrific work and sacrifice made by NHS and key frontline workers as well as the essential community organisations that provide so much support throughout the year.

“It will also be a special year for Brighton and Hove Pride as we will celebrate 30 years of campaigning, protest and a celebration of diversity in our great city.”

Paul Kemp, director of Brighton and Hove Pride, shared his vision for next year’s celebrations.

He said: “The Pride parade has always been such a vibrant and colourful event that brings our communities together to celebrate diversity, inclusion and our unique city.

“Over The Rainbow celebrates the hope, spirit and unity of all our communities and we sincerely hope that Pride 2021 will be a time for everyone to come back together to celebrate our communities, amazing NHS staff and key workers.”

Organisers also confirmed that the postponed Fabuloso – Pride In The Park event in Preston Park will be taking place on the weekend of August 7, 2021.

It has not yet been confirmed whether Mariah Carey and the Pussycat Dolls will perform though organisers are hoping the pop megastars will agree to take part in the 2021 celebrations.

A spokeswoman said they were “in contact with artists who were due to perform this year” with regard to next year’s dates.

She added: “After the heart-breaking decision to postpone Brighton and Hove Pride this year, we are delighted to confirm that our 30th anniversary celebrations will be held over the weekend of August 7 and 8, 2021.

“We are currently in discussions with artists about the rescheduled dates and will relaunch the festival and tickets later in the year.”

She continued: “As a Pride With Purpose whose sole aim is to provide benefit to the community or to trade with a “social purpose”, we are overwhelmed that so many ticket holders have chosen to retain their tickets for next year’s events or donated them back to support Pride and our essential fundraising for local community organisations.”

In the past six years, Brighton and Hove Pride has raised more than £920,000 for community good causes thanks to the support of businesses, sponsors and people who buy tickets for the Pride Festival in Preston Park and Pride Village Party.

It has supported hundreds of community organisations with grants through the Brighton Rainbow Fund, Pride Social Impact Fund and Pride Cultural Development Fund.

• At The Argus, we are championing the work of traders during the coronavirus pandemic as part of our #BackingSussexBusiness campaign. We are always interested to hear how the community is coming together in this crisis. If you know of a local business battling to do all it can in these tough times and/or offering support to the local community, please get in touch at laurie.churchman@theargus.co.uk and rose.lock@theargus.co.uk.