EXTRA train services will run with more carriages during Pride weekend to bring thousands of people to the city to celebrate next month.
Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express routes to Brighton will see more services run with longer trains to transport partygoers safely to and from Brighton and Hove Pride.
However, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates services from all three companies, has warned that trains will be very busy - with those travelling urged to plan their journey ahead of time.
Angie Doll, GTR chief operating officer, said: “It’s really exciting that Brighton and Hove Pride can go ahead this year. These events are hugely important to the LGBTQ+ community and allies, and we are proud to play our part in making sure everyone can travel safely to and from the event.
“We know that visitors have waited a long time for the return of Pride weekend in the city and we will do all we can to support those travelling by rail, but please remember that trains are likely to be very busy throughout the weekend.
“We want everyone attending Brighton and Hove Pride to have a fantastic time, which is why we’ll have more trains running and extra staff on hand, but please plan your journey and allow plenty of time to get home.”
Thameslink services between London Bridge and Brighton and Gatwick Express services between London Victoria and Brighton will operate with 12 carriage trains on August 6, with additional trains running late into Saturday evening from Brighton into London.
Many services on the East Coastway will also run with additional carriages throughout the day on Saturday to increase capacity in and out of Brighton.
However, services on the West Coastway that normally run between Brighton, Portsmouth and Southampton will instead at Chichester, to help focus capacity on areas where demand will be greatest.
Preston Park train station, the closest station to the Pride in the Park festivities, will be closed all weekend, and London Road train station will be closed all day on Saturday to help manage crowds safely.
A rainbow queuing system will also be put in place at Brighton station to help passengers identify the correct route for them as they head out of the city after Saturday’s festivities.
A green route will take passengers to trains on the East Coastway for stations towards Lewes, Seaford and Eastbourne, a purple route will take people to West Coastway services for stations towards Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing and Chichester, while a blue queue will be assigned for trains on the Brighton Mainline heading up to Haywards Heath, Gatwick Airport and London.
With smaller crowds expected on Sunday, a regular timetable will be in place, but services will run with extra carriages to increase capacity.
Managing director of Brighton and Hove Pride Paul Kemp said: “Pride is an important event for our city and, with visitors coming in from across the UK and worldwide, we are really excited to be back with a full-scale Pride after a two-year break.
“We are heartened by the positive working partnership we have with GTR and the amazing enthusiasm of its LGBTQ+ network and all other colleagues.”
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