Business owners across the city prepared for a rush weekend yesterday as Pride celebrations got underway.
Brighton was alive with color as shop windows came alive and garlands of bunting covered the city’s shop fronts.
Restaurants, pubs, bars, bookstores, clothing stores and others all took part, and hundreds of people showed their support for Pride weekend, which is returning for the first time in three years.
Flags on Brighton Beach
The usual brown brick walkway on Dukes Lane has been given a colorful makeover and is now a giant Pride flag, while Café Lost on Nile Walk and Gourmet Burger Kitchen on Gardner Street featured balloon arches.
Dukes Lane is hosting a family fun day today from 12:30pm to 5pm with a live cabaret performance by drag act Lovinia Bell at 1pm, with Gaydio providing the tune.
People are encouraged to head downstairs to enjoy free entertainment to support Akt, the national LGBTQ+ charity for the homeless.
Rainbow Lane – Dukes Lane, Brighton
Among the most impressive displays seen around town yesterday were the colorful bras hanging outside Mrs Fitzherbert’s pub on New Road and the extravagant rainbow display at Las Iguanas, thanks to the hard work of the restaurant’s general manager, Danial Palmer Johnson.
Daniel Palmer-Johnson, Managing Director of Las Iguanas, Brighton, with some of his restaurant decorations
And with the celebrations starting today, companies are gearing up for a crazy weekend.
A business owner in the city said: “Pride is always a highlight of the year for me and to have the event come back after three years is great.
“The rainbow flag is out. I’ve got my outfit ready and I’m pretty sure I won’t run out of glitter.”
Away from the city center in Preston Park, work has been going on all week to complete Pride in the Park. Stars Christina Aguilera and Paloma Faith are among those taking to the main stage over the weekend.
Thousands will flock to the park throughout the day for the return of the annual festival.
Mrs Fitzherbert is in Brighton
Any party-goers who can’t snag a last-minute ticket to Sunday’s celebrations at Preston Park can grab a free ticket by attending a beach clean-up.
Ragyard on Ship Street, Brighton
There will be two cleanses on Sunday morning – near Shelter Hall and on the beach east of Palace Pier – with those who complete a full session earning a free ticket to the afternoon’s Preston Park Festival.
https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/20604279.brighton-businesses-ready-pride/?ref=rss Brighton businesses ready for Pride