Thursday, 7th April 05

The members of Brighton Pride have voted for a Heroes and Heroines theme for this year's Parade on Saturday 6th August. As ever, the spectacular Parade will gather on Maderia Drive in the morning, make it's way through the City up to Preston Park to join the fun and frolics of the Pride Party.

So, time to get stitching, weaving, gluing and sewing ready for anything from Wonder Woman to Superman, Zorro to Bond and Captain Kirk to Chris Smith, Beckham to Arnie, Bette Davis to Diana, Madonna to Boy George to George Michael - the list is endless.

Pride's trustees are keen to develop further the carnival parade and are looking to secure new Arts Council grant funding for this. More open-backed floats and walking tableaux are bring encouraged to enter the parade whilst double-decker buses are being restricted for safety reasons. Those wanting yo field a bus "must have a good reason for doing so", according to the organisers.

To register a walking tableaux or float contact the Pride office on 01273 775939. The Carnival Parade and Festival in Preston Park is held on Saturday 6th August and the whole summer festival runs from 31st July to 7th August 2005 with a week of activities and events throughout the City.

Small grants are also still available to groups in order to support their activities at Brighton Pride on 6th August. The Commumnity Chest has a total fund of £5,000 and successful applicants are encouraged to use an award to decorate their float, buy balloons promoting their group or to create a space in the park. Closing date for applications is 27th May 2005, www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/communitygrants . Grants are also available from Pride itself. Please contact the Pride office for an information pack on 01273 775939.