IN PICTURES: Brighton & Hove comes together for World AIDS Day 2025

All photos courtesy of Chris Jepson Photography

Brighton & Hove came together last night for the annual World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil, which was held at the Brighton’s World AIDS Day Memorial, Tay, in New Steine Gardens. 

Opened by the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Amanda Grimshaw who spoke about local impacts on HIV, along with a speech by Lloyd Russell Moyle on the continuing importance of international and local work around HIV and supporting communities impacted by HIV.

The names read out remembering those in the city lost to HIV and AIDS were then read out by  community members from a variety of LGBTQ and HIV organisations, including Sussex Beacon, Lunch Positive, Terrence Higgins Trust, Trans Pride and Pride Community Foundation along with elected members; Cllr Bella Sankey, Cllr Gary Wilkinson, Cllr Birgit Miller, Cllr David McGregor

Writing on social media, Cllr Gary Wilkinson said: "This evening’s World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil at New Steine Gardens was deeply moving, and I was honoured to take part in the Reading of Names. Standing together as a community to remember those connected to Brighton & Hove who have died with HIV is always powerful, and I’m grateful to everyone who came, held space, and shared in the silence, warmth and solidarity.

“My thanks to all who joined in the Reading of Names and to all who worked so hard to organise this year’s events as part of the Brighton & Hove World AIDS Day Community Partnership.

“As we remember those we’ve lost, we also stand with everyone living with HIV today - in support, compassion and hope.

“Thank you, Brighton & Hove, for coming together.”