MERMAIDS, pirates and fishermen walked along the promenade to save the world’s oceans.

The March of the Mermaids, a glittery annual spectacle, took place this weekend for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

The Brighton tradition saw hundreds of sparkly activists stroll down Brighton’s promenade to the tune of drums and whistles on Saturday.

Honour Mission, 55, organiser and figurehead of the march, told The Argus: “It was amazing, I didn't realise it was going to be as great as it was, after two years of lockdown.

“We didn't know what kind of response we were gonna get.

The Argus: Honour Mission at 2019's marchHonour Mission at 2019's march

“I’m just flawed by the support and the people who genuinely love it and look forward to it every year.

“It was perfect weather for it as well, when we book it in January we have no idea what the weather will be like but it was the perfect day.”

Mermen, sea mammals, crustaceans, pirates, sailors and all forms of sea life are all invited to take part.

The march began at Hove Lawns and made its way past the i360 to the Fortune of War in Brighton where the celebrations continued into the night.

Those marching were joined by drummers, a steel band and then at the Fortune of War singers and DJs playing “fishy tunes”.

The Argus: Photo: Simon DackPhoto: Simon Dack

Fancy dress competitions also took place at the party, the Best Dressed Tiddlers, Best Dressed Queen Mermaid and King Prawn were crowned, as well as the best recycled costume.

During the march, volunteers encourage people to donate money to charity, this year they were fund raising for the Marine Conservation Society.

Honour said: “We raised around £300 in 2019, but to be honest it’s more about raising awareness.

“As I’m going along with my megaphone. I'm encouraging people to take rubbish home with them on the beach and raising awareness but in a really funky way.

“It’s always so much fun and people want to get involved.

“I’m always flawed by the costumes, we had an octopus, we had a lobster.

“We have such a range of ages as well, from babies to older people, it melts my heart.

“That’s the reason why we do it, to get people involved and make them aware.”

Honour credits the event’s success to her fellow volunteer team members Amanda Lucas, David Flack and Keith Holman.