The View From Inside: Brighton Pride Parade 2026

Forget the view from the pavement - we wanted the view from inside the parade.

So, for Brighton Pride 2026, our reporter Liran Notik, laced up his trainers, grabbed the cameras and joined thousands of marchers making their way through the city's rainbow-filled streets. Along the route, Scene Magazine marched with the fantastic Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents RFC, who welcomed us into their Pride family and gave us a front-row seat to one of the biggest celebrations of LGBTQ+ visibility anywhere in the world.

Watch our walk with The Sea Serpents

From glitter-covered hugs and spontaneous dance breaks to cheers from every corner of Brighton, the atmosphere was nothing short of infectious. Every few metres came another smile, another flag waving high, another reminder that Pride is about so much more than a parade - it's about people.

While walking with the Sea Serpents, we caught up with Vice Chair Ricky Braiden, who spoke passionately about why the club returns to Pride every year. Yes, they're an inclusive rugby club - but more importantly, they're a community. A place where anyone, regardless of experience, background or identity, can find friendship, confidence and belonging.

"We're an inclusive rugby club. Rugby is for everybody,"

While chatting with Sam Johnson, he shared with us how the club's upcoming 'Try Rugby' sessions - encourage complete beginners to give the sport a go:

"A program for anyone that's never played rugby before, who wants to come and be involved in a team, be part of the community. I did the same thing. I'd never held a rugby ball this time last year... and look at me now."

But this wasn't just a story about rugby. It was about Brighton doing what Brighton does best - bringing together people from every walk of life to celebrate love, identity and community. Whether marching, dancing, cheering from the pavement or simply soaking up the atmosphere, everyone became part of the same colourful story.

As we made our way through the city, Douglas Hawkins, founder of The Social Gays, shared a message that resonated throughout the day:

"You're always going to find your people. Find your community, because it will always lead to positive outcomes."

Simple words - but perhaps the most powerful takeaway from Brighton Pride 2026. Because that's exactly what Pride is. A celebration, a protest, a party and, above all, a reminder that everyone deserves a place where they can belong.

Along the route, we also caught up with the wonderful team from MindOut, whose work supporting LGBTQ+ mental health is more important than ever. Marching alongside thousands celebrating Pride, Director Peter Nesbitt and ambassador Keye Luke spoke to us about the power of community, the importance of looking after our mental wellbeing, and creating safe spaces where everyone feels seen, heard and supported.

Watch while we walk with Mindout Ambassador, Keye Luke

Their message to everyone taking part in Brighton Pride was both simple and powerful: be kind to yourself and to one another, celebrate who you are, and never underestimate the strength that comes from finding your community. Amid the music, colour and celebration, their words served as a heartfelt reminder that Pride is not only about visibility—it's also about connection, acceptance and supporting one another every step of the way.

Watch our interview with MindOut Director, Peter Nesbitt

As the final floats made their way through the city and the cheers slowly faded, one thing remained clear: Brighton Pride is so much more than a parade. It's a celebration of love, resilience and community - a reminder that, no matter who you are, there's a place where you belong. And if this year's Pride proved anything, it's that Brighton continues to wear its heart proudly on its rainbow-coloured sleeve.