ONE of the biggest events of the LGBTQ+ calendar has announced the details of their 2022 event.

Brighton Bear Weekend will take place between July 14 and July 17 this year.

The annual event in Kemp Town is for bears - a slang term for gay men who are often heavy-set and hairy.

The main welcome event for the four-day affair will begin in Dorset Gardens on the Friday at 5pm, while the Garden Party will commence at midday on the Saturday in the same location.

The Mr Brighton Bear competition will also be back for another year.

This will be the 11th annual Brighton Bear Weekend.

The Argus: Brighton Bear Weekend Brighton Bear Weekend

The event, which is entirely run by volunteers, will be holding a volunteer meeting at Centre Stage on Saturday, March 12.

If you’d like to volunteer, visit the Brighton Bear Weekend website.

Event organisers said: “As well as bears, cubs and even a stray otter or two, we welcome all friends of the community.

“The event always attracts furry (and not so furry) men and their friends from around the world so pop it in your diary now and don’t miss out.”

Proceeds raised from the event go to The Brighton Rainbow Fund - a charity provides funding to a range of local charities benefiting the LGBT+ community.

Graham Munday, chairman of Brighton Bear Weekend, said: "We’re thrilled to be back, staging another live Brighton Bear Weekend hopefully without the sword of Covid hanging over us.

“As always, the priority this year will be getting people out, having some fun in the sun, supporting each other, our venues, and the talent.

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

The Argus: Brighton Bear Weekend Brighton Bear Weekend

In 2020, a series of virtual events were held due to Covid-19 lockdowns.

Following the 2021 event, a total of £4,000 was raised for The Brighton Rainbow Fund.

At last years event, a new Mr Brighton Bear was crowned after a “fierce but friendly battle” in Dorset Gardens.

Kevin J Thurlow-Criss, a medical research operations director from Woodingdean, was presented with his crown by incumbent Gavin Walker Bennett-Mason, from Shoreham.

A sash was also presented by Danielle Evans (Miss Brighton 2021).

The Brighton Bear Weekend Garden Party featured a range of performers to entertain the crowds, as well as a selection of stalls, exhibitors and food services provided by Lunch Positive and the Village Metropolitan Community Church.