Tuesday, 8th August 06

On Saturday 5th August around 120,000 enjoyed Brighton Pride. The 'Carry On Pride' Parade was the most spectacular and colourful with over 50 LGBT charities, groups and companies proudly displaying their hard work over the past months helped by the free workshops funded by the Arts Council. The Pride Carry On Columbus float was particularly well received by the thousands watching as were the lead group the Gay Police Association who were joined in the Parade by Chief Constable Joe Edwards.

The festival that followed at Preston Park was the largest and yet safest Pride to date with over 70,000 at the park at any one time. Despite a larger attendance, the event saw less casualties and less litter left with recycling points being very well used by the public. The operation to clear the park is well underway and, as in previous years, will be completed by Thursday. Pride organisers appeal to residents to be patient as it is a massive task and has to be carried out meticulously and safely with further recycling efforts as it progresses.

Pride cannot praise enough the council and police who work closely throughout the year and support Pride to the hilt. Without them and several other organisations such as Wilde Ones, St John Ambulance, East Sussex Fire and Rescue and Select Security the event would simply not happen.

Brighton Pride remains the best and biggest free festival in the UK. However, despite increased revenue from fundraising, sponsorship, grants and Council funding, Pride continues to struggle to cover the ever increasing costs brought about by more people attending. The parade and park alone cost over £200,000. Organisers appeal to any local businesses that may benefit from the £5.5 million brought into the city's economy to help the charity financially to ensure both the summer and winter Pride events continue.