IN PICTURES: Brighton Pride 2025

Brighton & Hove Pride 2025 got underway on Saturday for an unmissable day of vibrancy, music and joy, lighting up the city with an array of unapologetic and electrifying celebrations.

The annual Pride parade kicked off a ravishing weekend from Hove Lawns on Saturday morning. Leading the procession in the glorious sunshine was an array of familiar faces, including Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Amanda Grimshaw BEM, alongside Leslie Clarke (CEO of Pride Community Foundation), and veteran activist Ted Brown.

With this year's theme of Ravishing Rage, the city came together to show their solidarity and allyship, assembling community groups, small businesses, the emergency services, the NHS and representatives of other Pride organisations, for a protest and party like no other.

Over at Pride on The Park supported by Hayu, the official Pride community fundraiser, Party Bag warmed up the crowd with their fabulous alternative drag show filled with laughs, chaos and fun. Boyband newcomers ABSNT MIND brought their heartthrob energy to the stage, closely followed by an iconic performance by Sister Sledge ft Kathy Sledge, whose discography of hits including Greatest Dancer and We Are Family got the colourful crowd on their feet!

American singer and rapper Slayyyter turned the heat all the way up for an energetic performance, which included new single BEAT UP CHANEL$, followed by electro-pop duo Confidence Man, who brought their bonkers, irresistible vibes to the party. Ashnikko brought their weedkiller universe to Pride ahead of two-time Eurovision winner Loreen, who stunned with her faultless vocals and dazzling stage presence.

All we wanted for Pride was Mariah Carey and woah did we get her! The global superstar lit up the stage as Saturday’s main stage headliner, head to toe in bespoke creations by Julian Mendez Couture and Rey Ortiz - both celebrated designers and outspoken allies of the LGBTQ+ community. 

A standout piece was her bedazzled bomber jacket, emblazoned with PROTECT THE DOLLS to show her support and allyship to the trans community. “I just want you to know that I’ll always, always be there for you," the certified icon told an emotional crowd at Preston Park. 

A 1.5hr jam-packed show of non-stop hits, the setlist was immaculate and included Fantasy, Obsessed, My All, Always Be My Baby and the international live debut of new single Sugar Sweet, lifted from her forthcoming sixteenth studio album Here For It All. With three incredible outfit changes, Mariah brought her signature glitz and glamour to the Pride stage, also paying homage to the UK in a stunning custom Alexander McQueen ensemble.

An impressive array of ensemble vocalists and dancers added a high energy spectacle, with an appearance from Mariah’s long standing music collaborator and close friend Trey Lorenz. Mariah brought the show to an unforgettable close in true Mimi style, providing fans with all the nostalgic hits and major superstar sparkle. The chart topper drew a jaw-dropping crowd, which included many familiar faces such as Dame Kelly Holmes, Alan Carr, The Real Housewives of London cast, Cat Burns, Munroe Bergdorf, Romy Madley-Croft and Rob Rinder.

In a fabulous new location this year, Pride’s dance tent was hosted by False Idols for an unforgettable crossover and unique Pride experience for 2025. DJ sets from Romy, Bimini and Joshua James as well as live shows from Katy B, COBRAH and Dorian Electra kept the high-octane dance loving crowd fuelled up until curfew.

Brighton & Hove Pride continues today with Sugababes, Will Young and Natalie Imbruglia performing on Preston Park.