Worthing Pride 2025: A vibrant celebration of unity and visibility
– 1 min read
Worthing Pride returned in dazzling style at the weekend, marking its seventh year with a powerful message of inclusivity and resilience. Thousands gathered along the seafront and in Steyne Gardens to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community under the theme “Protecting Trans Lives”, with participants donning the colours of the trans flag in a show of solidarity.
The festivities kicked off Friday evening with performances from nostalgic pop acts including N-Trance, Big Brovaz, and Urban Cookie Collective, headlined by Jo O’Meara of S Club fame. Saturday’s free-to-enter parade drew large crowds as it wound its way along the seafront, culminating in a lively celebration in Steyne Gardens, where Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton took the stage as the headline act.
Despite early concerns about funding and the absence of a parade sponsor, the event was saved thanks to a partnership with BA Euroflyer, a Gatwick-based subsidiary of British Airways. Local businesses and residents also rallied behind the event through a GoFundMe campaign and the “Community Angels” initiative, ensuring the parade remained free and accessible.
Pride director Gary Richardson praised the community’s support:
“This has demonstrated that our local businesses fully support Pride and do not wish to see it leave our town. The funding raised will ensure Pride in Worthing is here to stay for at least the next two years.”
In addition to the festivities, Worthing Pride continued its tradition of giving back, with £1 from each ticket sold going to local LGBTQ+ charities. To date, the event has raised over £15,000 for community support groups.
Organisers took to social media after the event to express their gratitude:
“WOWWWWWW! What can we say?! You lot really do go all out to celebrate Pride! We are DONE for 2025. THANK YOU to each and every one of our sponsors, supporters, traders, and most importantly YOU!”
