Objections spanning the breadth of our LGBTQ+ communities have been raised after Brighton & Hove City Council announced the Pride Village Party, which usually takes place in the heart of LGBTQ+ Brighton – St James Street – will be moved to Marine Parade.
On Wednesday, April 2, Brighton & Hove City Council announced “major changes” to this year’s Brighton & Hove Pride after what it called “input from local people to help shape the city’s biggest and most colourful annual event”.
The most significant change announced is that St James Street and surrounding roads will remain open to pedestrians and vehicles throughout the Pride weekend, which means there will be “no outside bars or music on St James Street”.
The council has said an “enhanced Street Party” will take place on Marine Parade, which will be closed to vehicles, where LGBTQ+ bars can operate outside bars and entertainment stages.
The council has said that LGBTQ venues are “currently being invited to participate in the Marine Parade event or may prefer to operate their venues as normal over Pride weekend”.
“These changes follow a “public consultation organised by the council with support from Pride, which included an online survey and a series of in-person discussion groups”.
The council added: “We will continue to consult with and listen to businesses in the area in the coming months as plans develop”.
Lloyd Russell-Moyle, former MP for Kemptown, said in a statement posted on Facebook: “I totally condemn this decision.
“I have asked another Labour MP to submit parliamentary questions regarding the advice from the Home Office and the Department for Transport on this matter. I believe this decision may breach their guidance.
“I have also drafted several FOI requests to the council. I am deeply concerned about safety. Across Europe, including in the UK, we have seen attacks on crowded streets where vehicles have been used to target pedestrians. Keeping St James Street open to traffic makes it a potential target for such an attack. In previous years, we have had armoured bollards in place—what security advice have the police provided? Have they consulted with terrorism experts? I am seriously worried that this decision puts public safety at risk.
“I am also concerned about community safety. We expect large crowds due to high-profile headline acts in the park. In years where major acts have performed, the entire city has experienced significant overcrowding. St James Street is narrow—what provisions have been made to prevent crowd crushes? Has any formal risk assessment been conducted?
“I am worried about the impact on bars and venues. Licensed premises have the right to operate within the terms of their venue licences. How will the council ensure that venues are not pressured, intimidated, or otherwise penalised for individuals drinking their own alcohol outside? We know that certain council officers have a history of targeting venues they disapprove of.
“Environmental health is another major concern. Before the area was fenced off, people frequently urinated—and worse—in the street. This still happens, but in much smaller numbers. Without proper controls, we risk a serious public health hazard.
“To be clear—I agree that the street party needed improvements, and I am not opposed to St James Street being unticketed. However, the road must be closed to traffic, security must be in place, and venues that have traditionally hosted outdoor stages must be allowed to continue doing so.
“If this decision is not reversed, the council must be held fully liable for any harm that results from this reckless and dangerous policy.”
Sarah Savage, CEO of Trans Pride Brighton, added her thoughts: “A shockingly terrible decision by Brighton Council! People will just not pay for the tickets and go to their favourite St James Street venues. It’ll be an unsafe mess with cars and buses flying up the street dodging drunk people, there will be piss and glass everywhere, no security to keep people safe, nothing.
“The LGBT+ bars and businesses will suffer, this was a chance for The Trans Pride Centre to raise some money and interact with our community, to be a safe space for trans people. And to find out via rumours, rather than being included in the conversation, absolutely awful.”
Brighton resident Robert J Brown added his thoughts after appearing on BBC Radio Sussex on Thursday, April 3: “I’ve just done a BBC Radio Sussex interview on this disastrous decision and it sounds like Brighton & Hove City Council are going to use licencing and by laws to force people off the streets other than Marine Parade, thus making it illegal to party on St James’s Street over the Pride Weekend.
“That’s what the Labour Councillor hinted at, yet wouldn’t say no what I asked her if they’d make it illegal.”
David Pollikett aka drag queen Davina Sparkle added: “Words can’t tell you how extremely annoyed and upset I am about this! A few residents signing a petition threatening legal action if the Pride Village Party goes ahead in St James’s street area – disgusting!
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