With Brighton Pride 2026 just around the corner and thousands of visitors preparing to descend on the city, we thought it was the perfect time to look back at another of Brighton's much-loved celebrations – Brighton Bear Weekend 2026.
From laughter and live performances to heartfelt conversations and plenty of sweaty hugs (it was a heatwave, after all!), this year's event was a beautiful reminder of what makes Brighton so special: community.
Our reporter Liran Notik caught up backstage with some of the incredible people who helped make the weekend so memorable. From community leaders and performers to this year's newly crowned Bear, every conversation reflected the warmth, inclusivity and cheeky spirit that defines the Brighton Bears family.
Watch Our Interview: Matteo, Winner of Brighton Bear 2026
Only moments after being crowned Brighton Bear 2026, Matteo somehow managed to pause long enough for a chat with us before being whisked away for hugs, congratulations and what felt like hundreds of photos.
Still riding the adrenaline, he spoke about what winning the title means to him, the responsibility that comes with representing the community, and how proud he is to be part of such an inclusive and supportive family.
Watch Our Interview: Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Cllr Theresa Fowler
Just moments before the celebrations continued, Liran Notik Chatted with Cllr Mayor Theresa Fowler, who spoke about why it was important for her to attend Brighton Bear Weekend and stand alongside the city's LGBTQ+ communities.
She shared how events like these strengthen Brighton & Hove's reputation as one of the UK's most welcoming and inclusive cities, while also proving that showing up, supporting one another and celebrating diversity really does matter.
Watch Our Interview: Alan Hiscutt
No Brighton Bear Weekend would be complete without catching up with Alan Hiscutt, one of the driving forces behind the event.
Alan reflected on another hugely successful weekend, the incredible volunteers who make everything happen behind the scenes, and why the bear community continues to thrive year after year. His passion for creating welcoming spaces for everyone shines through in every conversation.
Watch Our Interview: Doctor Woof
Fresh from landing... somewhere in space and time... Doctor Woof brought plenty of laughs as he chatted with Liran about performing in Brighton, his larger-than-life character and why the Bears know exactly how to throw a party.
Equal parts hilarious, charming and wonderfully bonkers, this was one interview that had us smiling from beginning to end.
Watch Our Interview: Paul Middleton
Travelling all the way from Berlin, singer Paul Middleton had only just stepped off stage when we grabbed him for a quick chat.
Still buzzing from his performance, Paul spoke about the warm welcome he received from Brighton audiences and why performing for the bear community is always such a special experience. Safe to say, the crowd loved every minute.
Watch Our Interview: Rose Garden
Brighton favourite Rose Garden, Host of Bear weekend 2026, brought plenty of glamour, laughter and heart to the weekend.
We spoke about the importance of being an ally, celebrating every part of our LGBTQ+ family, and why events like Brighton Bear Weekend continue to create spaces where people can simply be themselves. As always, Rose delivered wisdom with a healthy dose of fabulousness.
Brighton Bear Weekend once again proved that it's about so much more than titles, beards and bears. It's a celebration of friendship, body confidence, kindness, inclusivity and finding your people.
As Brighton gears up for another incredible Pride, we're grateful to everyone who took the time to speak with us and, more importantly, to everyone who helped make this year's Bear Weekend such a memorable one.
See you at Pride... and don't forget to stay hydrated! ☀️🐻🌈
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