The over all theme for this years Brighton Pride event is Freedom to live while the theme of the Pride Community Parade is The World’s a Disco.
In order to improve the experience for Trans* people attending this years Pride, organisers are asking Trans* people to complete a survey.
To fill in the survey, CLICK HERE:
The A259 eastbound at the junction with West Street was closed around 8am on Friday (April 25) due to the collapse of a roof of the Fortune of War pub in the King’s Road arches. The collapse has led to a weakness in the eastbound carriageway. Workman discovered the fault and the road was closed while structural engineers assessed the situation.
Structural engineers have now assessed the road and the eastbound carriageway will remain closed for the next few weeks.
The march was due to start at the junction of West Street and the A259, where the fault in the road appeared. The march will now start at the A259 junction with Middle Street.
There have been no changes to any of the conditions placed on those wishing to assemble to protest against the march. However, there have been slight variations made to the notices issued for assembly of the march and the conditions on it.
The section 14 notice for the assembly for the March for England states: ‘The March for England and those associated will assemble on the eastbound carriageway of the A259, Kings Road between the west most edge of the junction of the A259, Kings Road and Middle Street, and the west most edge of the A259, Kings Road and Ship St. The assembly will be confined to the road between the kerb lines to the north and centre line of the carriageway.
The march itself will follow the same route with the slightly amended starting point. The conditions issued under section 12 of the act state: “Using only the eastbound carriageway of the A259, Kings Road the procession will move eastbound along the A259 Kings Road. The procession will move no further east than the junction of Pool Valley and the A259, Kings Road. The procession will then return by the same route.”
The section 14 notice for those wishing to protest against the march remains the same and states: “Those wishing to assemble in order to protest against the March for England shall only do at the promenade to the south of the A259, Kings Road, between the pedestrian crossing at the eastern side of the junction of the A259, Kings Road and Black Lion Street to the pedestrian crossing at the western side of the junction of the A259, Kings Road and East Street.”
Superintendent Steve Whitton, said: “We have been working with the council and their engineers to assess the structure of the road and have decided to move the start of the march further eastwards on the A259.
“The march will now start at the A259 junction with Middle Street. They will then march east to the junction of Pool Valley and back again. It will still start no earlier than 12.30pm and finish no later than 1.30pm.
“Our focus is, as always, keeping people safe and we have worked with the council to make sure people taking part in both the march and the counter protest, as well as visitors to the city, are kept safe. For this reason the eastbound carriageway will be completely closed at West Street.
“It is really important people understand that the carriageway is closed for safety reasons and they should not enter the area which is cordoned off under any circumstances.
“Please talk to our officers, who will be very visible in the city, if you have any concerns.”
Executive Director Geoff Raw from Brighton and Hove City Council, added: “Structural engineers will be working over the weekend to assess the extent of the problem and which seems to have been caused by historic alterations to premises in the arches. We’re working as swiftly as possible with the police and key partners to ensure public safety and to keep the traffic moving as smoothly as possible. A contra flow system is now in place between Middle Street and West Street, please allow extra time for journeys through this area and check the council website for updates.”
To find up to date information, CLICK HERE:
Adele and John will be at the starting line to cheer on hundreds of Stonewall supporters raising money for the lesbian, gay and bisexual equality charity’s campaign: Gay. Let’s Get the Meaning Straight.
The campaign is tackling anti-gay language in schools across Britain following research that shows 99 per cent of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people hear phrases such as “that’s so gay’ or ‘you’re so gay”.
Last year Adele fronted Coming Out – a documentary on BBC Radio 1 – which gave a snapshot of what it’s like for young people to come out as lesbian, gay or bisexual in the UK today.
John won the 2012 series of hit BBC series the Great British Bake Off and has since launched and exclusive artisan chocolate shop, The Hungry Dog Artisan Chocolates.
Adele said: “It’s shocking that in 2014 nearly all gay young people still hear homophobic language like ‘that’s so gay’ when they go to school. That’s why supporting the Equality Walk is so important to me; it’s in aid of Stonewall’s crucial latest campaign to tackle homophobic language. Many people who casually use these terms don’t intentionally mean to be offensive but they cause hurt and distress. I urge lesbian, gay and bisexual people near and far to support this event.”
John added: “Too many children still fear going to school because of the abuse and bullying they suffer. No-one should be made to feel ashamed of who they are and how they were born. That is why I’m really excited and proud to support Stonewall’s Equality Walk and to help raise money so they can continue working with both primary and secondary schools up and down the country.”
The 10k Brighton Equality Walk – supported by American Express – takes place on Sunday, May 11. Registration for the event costs just £10 and under-12s can walk for free.
For more information and to register to walk, CLICK HERE:
Police cordened the seafront following reports that the road had begun to subside.
Eastbound traffic is being diverted off the A259 Kingsway up the B2185 Grand Avenue and The Drive to join the A270 Old Shoreham Road. Westbound traffic is being diverted from the Aquarium roundabout up the A23 via London Road to the Old Shoreham Road causing the city centre to gridlock.
Sussex Police say they were originally informed that there was a “five foot hole” in the road but further investigations revealed a “depression” rather than a hole.
A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “It was discovered by workmen engaged in underground building work at the Forunte of War pub.
Labour moved quickly and called for the Greens to take urgent action to prevent further seafront collapses.
Warren Morgan, Leader of the Labour and Cooperative Group group on Brighton Council, said: ‘Today’s collapse of the structure under the A259 seafront road near the junction with West Street shows how critical the condition of our most important transport arteries is. It is vital for business, tourism and of course traffic, and major disruption will do immense harm to our city’s economy.
“I believe that despite knowing that the city’s main seafront road and the arches below it are in need of tens of millions of pounds of investment, the council’s Green leadership has chosen to spend money on a series of other traffic and transport projects it has deemed more important and more in line with their political priorities. This has to end now.”
Labour is calling for the £8 million of funding that the council has secured for the Valley Gardens improvement scheme to be diverted immediately to deal with the urgent work needed to keep the A259 seafront road open, and without delay set up a project board under a designated senior officer to oversee a thorough and immediate survey, and prioritise urgent repairs to the city’s most important piece of infrastructure.
The Greens spokesperson is on gardening leave.
Brighton-based candidate Tracey Hill, Anneliese Dodds, John Howarth and Emily Westley got the campaign rolling with a strong message about protecting local jobs.
Figures show that over 12,000 jobs in Brighton and Hove are supported by exports to the European Union (EU). The candidates highlighted the need for a strong voice in Europe for extra investment and jobs, and to preserve the 12,149 jobs that are reliant on EU trade.
Anneliese Dodds said: “The EU supports many jobs in Brighton and Hove, but Labour wants to see more and better quality jobs being created here in the future.
“Our MEPs have worked hard in the European Parliament to secure investment in the South East and also to improve working rights.
“Now we’re campaigning for the EU to take action against zero-hours contracts and other measures which mean that many people working here in Brighton and Hove are really struggling to cope with the high cost of living”.
John Howarth added: “As someone who runs a small business in the creative sector, like hundreds of those across Brighton and Hove, I know we would be poorer off out of Europe.
“I want to work hard to ensure South East England gets the most out of our relationship with the rest of the EU, so we are able to live where we want, work and do business where we want, and trade with our neighbours”
Over the next few weeks until May 22, the candidates will be campaigning in Brighton Pavilion, Brighton Kemptown and Hove, as well as in a number of other Sussex constituencies.
Anneliese and John, the two top-placed Labour candidates have made numerous previous visits to Brighton and Hove when they have talked to hundreds of people on the doorstep, met with people involved in the local food economy and attended events at Sussex University.
Rebecca now leads the Community Interest Company (CIC) tasked with modernising the Lido for the local community.
Simon Kirby has been a strong supporter of the project, its refurbishment and the efforts of Rebecca Crook and her team in bringing the Lido up to an acceptable standard. Simon and Rebecca were invited to a reception at 10 Downing Street, at which the Prime Minister was present.
Simon said: “I have been delighted to work with Rebecca in ensuring the Lido is improved as a facility for Saltdean people. Rebecca is incredibly hard working and encourages all those around her. She has been a tower of strength in bringing a new vision for the Lido to fruition.
Rebecca added: “It was an excellent opportunity to let the Prime Minister know of the work we have been doing and the benefits for local people in bringing forward plans for the Saltdean Lido to be improved. The Community Interest Company will now work with local people to see the plans become reality.”
Maria who hails from Luton is the former owner of Marilyn’s (The Harlequin) in Providence Place and The Star in Manchester Street, Brighton. More recently she worked for Brighton and Hove City Council in the housing department where she helped organise events during Black History Month for the Council’s Black, Minority and Ethnic Workers Forum.
She is presently an elected committee member of the LGBT Community Safety Forum where she serves the community on issues relating to community safety and hate crime. She has recently undertaken a course in British Sign Language (BSL) to help make the work of the forum more accessible to deaf people and make Brighton Pride more accessible to the wider deaf community as this year the LGBT Community Safety Forum are organising all Access Matters associated with the Pride event. Maria also sits as a community observer on the Rainbow Fund grants panel.
Maria received the most nominations to be a Pride Ambassador in March and April and will join Michael Nelson better known as ‘Greenbeard’ at the front of the Pride parade on August 2 where she will be raising awareness of Brighton’s BME community on this years Pride parade whose theme is the World’s A Disco.
If you want to nominate someone to be a Pride Ambassador who you thinks goes the extra mile to help LGBT people and represent the LGBT community at the front of the Pride Parade you still have time to vote in May and June.
Send an email to: info@gscene.com giving the name of the person and say why you have nominated them.
Whoever receives the highest number of nominations in each of the next two months will be appointed to the two remaining Pride Ambassador positions for 2014.
The Pride Ambassador’s program is sponsored and administered by Gscene Magazine.
Dan and Adrian who are both openly gay, said they were delighted to be selected in the ward which is central to Brighton’s LGBT community.
Dan Chapman said: “Having lived here all my life I am sad to see how our city has become run down in recent years. I am determined to work hard to make Queen’s Park an area to be proud of for the people who live here.”
Adrian Morris added: “My passion is the local economy and jobs. If elected I would ensure closer links with businesses, to improve the local economy”.
Karen Barford who works locally for a large cancer support charity, said: “I have four grown–up children and a grandchild who are building their lives locally. I want to be part of the team that makes sure that Brighton & Hove is not only a great place to live now but one that will provide sustainability for generations to come”.
Nancy Platts the Labour candidate for Kemptown and Peacehaven in the 2015 general election who lives in the Queen’s Park area, commented: “We have selected three fantastic candidates in Queen’s Park, who have already hit the ground running by going out and meeting residents on the doorstep.”
Kimberly promises she will thrill fans with Pussycat Doll Number One tracks including Don’t Cha, Buttons, Stickwitu and her fabulous solo singles Candy and Derriere.
Kimberly Wyatt joined the Pussycat Dolls in 2003 and soon became a global superstar alongside fellow band members Nicole Scherzinger, Carmit Bachar, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta and Melody Thornton. Their 2005 number one smash Don’t Cha became one of the worlds biggest selling singles and sold over six million copies making them one of the most successful girl bands of all time. With over 11 number ones and 2 multi-platinum albums everybody wanted their girlfriend to be hot like a Pussycat Doll!
Since leaving the Pussycat Dolls in 2010 Kimberly has enjoyed success beside fellow judges, Diversity’s Ashley Banjo and Australian actor and dancer Adam Garcia on Sky 1’s hit show Got To Dance.
In 2012 Kimberly starred in, choreographed and creatively directed the critically acclaimed West End show Revolution, at the Haymarket Theatre in London. 2013 saw Kimberly launch her own cosmetics range, the aptly named Beautiful Movements.
As a solo artist Kimberley has recently delighted fans with the 2010 Top 5 hit Candy and with her latest single Derriere a delicious taster of her forthcoming album, she looks set to keep us dancing in 2014.
Kimberly says: “I am so delighted to have the opportunity to play at Brighton Pride ! I have heard such great things about the crowd there so just cannot wait to perform.”
Pride director, Dulcie Weaver added: “This year we’ll be staggering main stage artist announcements over the next few months so to secure an international artist such as Kimberly is amazing. I’m a massive fan of the Pussycat Dolls and we’re thrilled Kimberly has agreed to take time out of her busy schedule to perform at this year’s Pride.”
Pride just got Pussycat!
What: Pride Brighton & Hove 2014: Freedom To Live Pride Festival
Where: Preston Park, Brighton
When: Saturday, August 2
Time: 12noon – 10pm
Tickets: £9 /£12.50 Early Bird tickets sold out
Discounted £15 advance (first release) until end of May. Then £17.50 in June /£20 in July/ More on the day.
For more infromation about Brighton Pride, CLICK HERE:
North East LGBT charity, Northern Pride, is offering one lucky One Direction fan the chance to win a VIP trip for two to see the biggest boy band on the planet play Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on Wednesday May 28.
It includes use of the stadium’s Director’s Box, with a complimentary buffet, free bar and the best seats in the house to see Harry, Zayn, Liam, Louis and Niall.
The exclusive prize package, which is not available anywhere else, will be given away in a small prize draw, with just 500 tickets being sold to raise funds for the charity’s work to promote equality and diversity across the North East.
Three runners up will also receive a pair of VIP tickets for the sold-out concert, including a reception drink, buffet, souvenir VIP laminate and a reserved seat for the show close to the stage.
Mark Nichols, Chair of Northern Pride, said: “One Direction are the biggest band in the world at the moment and it’s been almost impossible to get hold of any tickets at all. We’re absolutely thrilled that we’ve been able to secure this money-can’t-buy package and can’t wait to give it away to one lucky ‘Directioner.’”
The competition, which is open to entrants aged 18 and over, is being run in partnership with SAFC subsidiary 1879 Events Management, which provides catering and hospitality at the Stadium of Light.
The organisation, which donated the One Direction tickets to Northern Pride, also recently signed a three year deal to cater for the charity’s annual Newcastle Pride festival, which returns from July 18-20 with a host of family entertainment and performances by stars including Sinitta, Shayne Ward and the Vengaboys.
Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director at 1879 Events Management and SAFC, added: “We have a strong working relationship with Northern Pride and are proud to be joining forces with them once again for Newcastle Pride 2014.
“This year’s event is expected to bring more than 65,000 people to the region, adding to the amazing economic benefits that will have already been generated by One Direction and our other summer concert, North East Live.”
To enter Northern Pride’s One Direction competition, CLICK HERE:
Tickets are priced at £40 each, with a maximum 500 being sold, and entries close on May 21. Other terms and conditions apply.
For more information about One Direction at the Stadium of Light, CLICK HERE:
For more information about Northern Pride, CLICK HERE:
Twitter: @northernpride
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