The streets of Brighton and Hove became a sea of balloons, rainbow flags and colourful costumes today as partygoers packed the streets for Pride 2002.

The UK's biggest free gay festival got off to a traditionally flamboyant start at 11am on the seafront with a 'gold 'n' glitz jubilee' carnival procession through the city's streets.

The parade then made its way through the Old Steine, past Victoria Gardens and along London Road before making a dramatic entrance into Preston Park.

Organisers have been working all week setting up stages, bars, tents and other facilities in Preston Park for the festival which attracts gay, lesbian and transgendered punters and their friends, family and supporters.

Sixties sensation Petula Clark and Eighties pop icon Limahl, of Kajagoogoo fame were due to headline the musical extravaganza taking place on three main stages in the park.

Other entertainment included the Candy Bar Dance Tent, Popstarz, the Wild Fruit Tent and the Steppin' Out Dance Marquee, which will offer people fond of line dancing, samba and other dances the chance of a knees-up.

The festival costs £135,000 to run and is one of the few of its kind in the UK to remain admission free.

Organising committee chairman Andy Dunton said: "We have a Pride here in Brighton and Hove that the whole country wants to come down for."