Brighton Bear Weekend 2021: Event returns after lockdown

Brighton Bear Weekend will return to the city’s events calendar once again, bringing tourists to LGBT venues across the city.

Organisers say the event is for “bears”, a slang gay term for burly men who are sometimes heavy-set or hairy, but that friends of the community are also welcome to enjoy the events.

It is the latest event to announce it will be returning amid the government's hope that the Covid-19 vaccine and testing will allow the economy to reopen over the coming months.

The event in July also supports charity efforts such as the Brighton Rainbow Fund, raising cash for volunteer groups support LGBT services in Brighton and Hove.

Brighton Bear Weekend is returning to the city's LGBT calendar this July 2021

Brighton Bear Weekend committee chairman Graham Munday said: “We’re thrilled to be back, staging another live Brighton Bear Weekend.

“This year the emphasis will be on getting people out, having some fun in the sun, supporting each other, our venues, and the talent.

Brighton Bear Weekend is returning to the city's LGBT calendar this July 2021

“Many people have lost friends, families and jobs, so whatever we do will be respectful of that.

“Likewise, some of our favourite bars have sadly disappeared during the pandemic, and those that have made it through l need our support more than ever.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to what we hope will be a wonderful, safe, celebratory Brighton Bear Weekend.”

Brighton Bear Weekend is returning to the city's LGBT calendar this July 2021

Earlier this year Brighton and Hove Pride announced it would be returning on August 4 this year, and some venues in the gay scene have now reopened their beer gardens for customers.

Brighton Bear Weekend marked its tenth anniversary last year, and organisers say everyone is welcome.

• READ MORE: Brighton Pride WILL go ahead this year, organisers say

They say most of those who attend are “bears” or “cubs” and “otters” who are either younger or slightly less heavy-set than their big bear counterparts.

“The event always attracts furry (and not so furry) men and their friends from around the world,” they said.

Brighton Bear Weekend is returning to the city's LGBT calendar this July 2021

The event includes “tea dances” and an annual “Mr Brighton Bear” competition.

This year the four-day event will run from July 22 to July 25.

Organisers say it will start with a “fabulous and ever so slightly competitive” quiz.

Money for the Brighton Rainbow Fund helps fund services such as HIV/Aids health and community development, community safety, peer action and the Brighton LGBT switchboard.

Visit: www.brightonbearweekend.com for more information.